A proper understanding of the structural organization of the plant body is essential to any study in plant biology. Experimental studies in vivo and in situ will lead to structural, physiological, and cellular changes of the experimental material. To study macroscopic and microscopic changes, different histological methods and microtechniques can be used as they provide valuable information of the experimental system. In addition, the observed structural changes allow investigators to set hypothesis for further studies based on one’s own observation. Thus, proper selection and utilization of microtechniques are a must for the success of a research program. At present, an up-to-date collection of protocols are not readily available in the literature. The latest work in plant microtechniques was published in 1999 by Ruzin but many others are no longer in print [e.g., Jensen (1964); O’Brien and McCully (1981)]. Furthermore, a majority of published works focus on techniques related to general processing and staining procedures. A comprehensive treatment that encompasses broader applications of microtechniques to other disciplines is lacking [e.g., archeology, wood science, etc.]. There is a need to create a comprehensive volume of botanical methods and protocols which includes traditional and novel techniques that can be used by researchers in plant science and investigators in other disciplines that require plant microtechniques in their research and teaching. This book covers a wide variety of applications and brings them up-to-date to make them understandable and relevant, especially to students using the methods for the first time. It is our intention to create a useful reference for plant histology and related methods that will serve as a foundation for plant scholars, researchers, and teachers in the plant sciences.​

Plant microtechnique has generated renewed interest in recent years, due in part to the need for molecular biologists to visualize a gene or gene product in the context of the whole plant. Plant Microtechnique and Microscopy offers uniquely in-depth coverage of this reinvigorated field. Thoroughly covering classical aspects of microscope slide preparation, it goes a step beyond all other available manuals by also documenting the theory and practice of modern applications. The text opens with single-page "Quick Start" protocols that provide students with fundamental instructions to complete eight of the most common microtechnique protocols used today. The following sections cover the theory and practice of microtechnique. The traditional paraffin method is demonstrated by explicit step-by-step protocols, and theoretical background is incorporated to give students the tools required to design their own experiments and to interpret existing results. In addition, modern applications such as methacrylate embedding and sectioning, microwave tissue processing, fluorescence histochemistry, and in situ hybridization are discussed in detail. The manual also contains a definitive chapter on microscopy and describes, in both text and diagrams, the optical principles of techniques such as phase contrast and DIC as well as confocal and deconvolution wide-field microscopy. Appendices on laboratory practice (chemical toxicities, common calculations, and buffer tables), an extensive appendix on optics and its application to the microscope, and an extensive bibliography of over 550 references are also included. Ideal for courses in plant biology, Plant Microtechnique and Microscopy also serves as an indispensable reference for all students of microscopy, histology, and histological technique. It is a valuable addition to every biological laboratory.

This book presents latest work in the field of plant biotechnology regarding high-efficiency micropropagation for commercial exploitation at low labor and equipment costs. The book consists of 18 chapters on establishing advanced culture systems, techniques as well as latest modification protocols on a variety of crops. It also discusses new methods such as nylon film culture system, light-emitting diode and wireless light-emitting diode system, stem elongation, wounding manipulation and shoot tip removal, in vitro hydroponic and microponic culture system, thin cell layer culture system etc. Plant cell tissue has been developed more than fifty years ago. Since then applications of in vitro plant propagation expanded rapidly all around the world and played as an important role in agricultural and horticultural systems. This book will be of interest to teachers, researchers, scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences.

Intended as a text for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students and as a potential reference, this broad-scoped resource is extensive in its educational appeal by providing a new concept-based organization with end-of-chapter literature references, self-quizzes, and illustration interpretation. The concept-based, pedagogical approach, in contrast to the classic discipline-based approach, was specifically chosen to make the teaching and learning of plant anatomy more accessible for students. In addition, for instructors whose backgrounds may not primarily be plant anatomy, the features noted above are designed to provide sufficient reference material for organization and class presentation. This text is unique in the extensive use of over 1150 high-resolution color micrographs, color diagrams and scanning electron micrographs. Another feature is frequent side-boxes that highlight the relationship of plant anatomy to specialized investigations in plant molecular biology, classical investigations, functional activities, and research in forestry, environmental studies and genetics, as well as other fields. Each of the 19 richly-illustrated chapters has an abstract, a list of keywords, an introduction, a text body consisting of 10 to 20 concept-based sections, and a list of references and additional readings. At the end of each chapter, the instructor and student will find a section-by-section concept review, concept connections, concept assessment (10 multiple-choice questions), and concept applications. Answers to the assessment material are found in an appendix. An index and a glossary with over 700 defined terms complete the volume.

This book presents a wide range of tested and proven protocols relevant to a number of fields within biotechnology used in laboratory experiments in everyday phycological (seaweed) research. A major focus will be on bioenergy related aspects of this emerging technology. These protocols will be written in a clear and concise manner using simple language permitting even nonspecialist to adequately understand the significance of this research. It will also contain all necesssary notes and guidelines for successful execution of these experiments.

This work gathers common plant microtechniques and updates their procedures using a simple and fully understandable approach. The text serves as a handy resource for scientists familiar with the protocols and as a guide for the novice, especially students just beginning to learn about various structural methods for the first time. This book analyzes a range of topics in order to generate cross-talks among scientists in different research disciplines. The first section of this volume covers the more commonly used embedding methods, with emphasis on the preparative methods for light and electron microscopy. A number of cell biology related protocols are compiled in the second section to showcase the usefulness of various techniques based on different processing and staining methods. The third section highlights some common and recent procedures in wood preparation. The last section includes botanical methods related to archaeological uses of plant materials. A special chapter on field and herbarium procedures is also included to serve as a guide to students interested in plant collection and taxonomic studies.

Plant Cell Biology, volume 160 in "Methods in Cell Biology", includes chapters on modern experimental procedures and applications developed for research in the broad area of plant cell biology. Topics covered in this volume include techniques for imaging and analyzing membrane dynamics and movement across membranes; cell wall composition, structure and mechanics; cytoskeleton dynamics and organization; cell development; ion channel physiology; cell mechanics; and methods related to quantifying cell morphogenesis. Provide in-depth procedures and application notes from selected experts who developed the methods Each chapter will include figures and movies as appropriate to explain complex techniques Chapters will include caveats of techniques and future prospects

The orchid family is one of the largest families of flowering plants known for their beauty and economic importance. This work provides information in key areas of research that are important to both scientists and commercial growers alike. The main purposes of this book are to provide key practical areas of research, such as, germination, micropropagation, traditional and current techniques related to plant improvement; document methods that ensure survival of plants from laboratories to greenhouses; promote communication between scientists and growers, so that their combined expertise on these areas will lead to the successful growth of orchids in their natural habitats or commercial greenhouses. This book can serve as reference for laymen with an interest in orchid growing.This book is divided into 5 parts. The first part emphasizes propagation methods using seeds and related techniques that are important to plant conservation and improvement. Successes in asymbiotic and symbiotic seed germination are keys to orchid conservation and their propagation. The second part summarizes micropropagation methods, common media, and newer methods of micropropagation such as the bioreactor culture procedures. The third part focuses on techniques related to the manipulation of explants in an in vitro environment. The fourth part covers cell biological methods and transformation techniques. Since the successes in a laboratory setting do not guarantee plant survival and propagation in greenhouses and in the natural environment, it discusses greenhouse propagation techniques that are essential to the survival of plants generated from a laboratory setting. The fifth part showcases recent successes on orchid propagation by documenting sample publications and how to present orchids in an artistic fashion for one’s enjoyment.