I am trying to obtain epidermal peels of Populus alba, a species with an extremely hairy leaf (especially the abaxial, bottom, surface). The goal of the peels is to quantify the density of the stomates. Should the hairs be removed? If so, how? Thank you very much.
Hayat, M.Q., M. Ashraf, S. Jabeen, N. Shaheen, G. Yasmin and M.A. Khan, 2010. Taxonomic implications of foliar epidermal characteristics with special reference to stomatal variations in the genus Artemisia (asteraceae). Int. J. Agric. Biol., 12: 221–226
Hayat, M.Q., M. Ashraf, M.A. Khan, G. Yasmin, N. Shaheen and S. Jabeen,
2009a. Diversity of foliar trichomes and their systematic implications
in the genus Artemisia (Asteraceae). Int. J. Agric. Biol., 11: 542–546
Hayat, M.Q., M. Ashraf, M.A. Khan, G. Yasmin, N. Shaheen and S. Jabeen,
2009b. Phylogenetic relationships in Artemisia spp. (Asteraceae)
based on distribution of foliar trichomes. Int. J. Agric. Biol., 11: 553–
558
This might be a very difficult leaf from which to get an epidermal peel. You might try the old trick of covering the surface with Duco cement, then putting transparent (e.g. Scotch) tape on it after it has dried, then counting stomata on the impression. Adjusting the light on the microscope to give you shadows can create pretty good contrast. The hairs will probably obscure most stomata, but some variant on this method might be easier than peeling. It is cheap and easy to try out.
Hi Thomas,
I did try using nail polish and Scotch tape (this method worked well for the upper surfaces). The polish adhered so well to the hairs that it could not be peeled off. I'll give the Duco cement a try, thanks for the suggestion.
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