Application of glycol methacrylate embedding to herbarium specimens of fruits.

Aldehyde fixation and glycol methacrylate embedding were applied to herbarium specimens of fruits of the Compositae. Sections 1-2 micron thick were cut with glass knives. Softening was unnecessary and the hydrophilic properties of the resin permitted staining with a number of dyes. Specimens were examined with bright field and polarized light microscopy. The technique gives good structural preservation and resolution even with 81-year-old herbarium material.