A method for preparing wood for microscopic analysis after decay testing is described, with special regard to a novel fast simultaneous staining, which helps to identify different types of decay. The novel staining process is explained as well as the embedding of heavily decayed samples in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and picking up of sections by transparent adhesive tape. Special feature of the introduced simultaneous staining is the utilisation of the basic methine stain Basacryl Brillant Rot BG (C.I. Basic Violet 16). It is mixed with Astrablue FM in an aqueous solution without precipitation that usually occurs when other basic stains e.g. Safranine are mixed with Astrablue. So it is possible to perform a simultaneous red-blue staining quickly and easily in a single pass. This allows, for instance, to stain hand sections of specimens in the field and to examine them with a field microscope on the spot. The method proved to be successful in microscopic examinations after biological testing in soil contact of Pinus sylvestris L. and Fagus sylvatica L. untreated and modified with melamine resins. With the aid of the staining, type and proportion of decay (brown-rot, white-rot, soft-rot and bacteria) were identified in ministakes.

Download document (515 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document