Intracellular Suberin: Occurrence and Detection in Tree Bark

Abstract

A protocol is outlined for histochemical detection of intracellular suberin linings on the inner surface of the cell walls in impervious tissues of wounded and infected bark, and in bark forming rhytidome. Thin intracellular suberin linings (circa 0.5 µm) were detected in all 15 woody angiosperms examined. Intracellular suberisation was strongly associated with individual cells or cell layers (boundary zone) that displayed imperviousness with fluid diffusion tests. Tests inc1ude use of phloroglucinol + HCl and Sudan black B to selectively quench autofluorescence of lignin and suberin, respectively. Blue-violet excitation is used to enhance the Sudan IV test for suberin, cutin, and waxes.