Electron Microscopy of Leaf Surfaces

Abstract

THE morphology of leaf surfaces is of considerable interest in the study of the effects of selective herbicides. In the course of investigation into the nature of some leaf surfaces, it was suspected that structure beyond the resolution of the light microscope was present. The electron microscope was therefore employed in an attempt to determine the nature of this structure. The examination of the surface of a leaf required the use of a replica technique, preferably not involving the treatment of the specimen with organic solvents, since many leaf surfaces are covered with a waxy layer which might be affected. A single-stage method involving evaporated material was therefore indicated, and though at first it seemed likely that any such method would meet with considerable difficulties, an extremely interesting technique was easily developed.