Buckman LaboratoriesPhotomicrographs

Section:MICROORGANISMS Subsection:METHODS
4 Staining of fungi in wood
Date Composed: 12-19-95 Date Modified:01-18-96

IV. Staining of fungi in wood

A. Materials

1. Surgical blades

2. Test tubes

3. Phenol cotton blue stain

4. Alcohol burner

B. Procedures

1. Use the surgical blades to slice the wood into thin sections.

2. Place the sections of wood into a test tube and cover them with phenol cotton blue
stain.

3. Heat the test tube until the phenol cotton blue boils. CAUTION: Phenol cotton blue
causes toxic fumes. Avoid inhalation.

4. Wait for the test tube to cool. Wash away the stain with water several times.

5. Place the wood on a slide, cover with a cover slip, and observe under the microscope.

6. Fungal hyphae will stain blue, wood tissues are transparent.