An improved acetic orcein squash method for serial cytological preparations

Summary As a final test for colchicine-induced tetraploid plants the cytological method is most reliable. However, cytological testing can only be done in satisfactory manner if a large series of preparations can be prepared in a relatively short time.It is shown how, after some simplifications and improvements with LA Cour's acetic orcein staining, a trained person can in about one and a half hours prepare a series of 30 preparations which keep for one month or longer.Staining and maceration are done on the slide; the material is squashed and mounted in acetic Fast Green. Fast Green enhances the contrast and the preparations mounted in this solution do not deteriorate so quickly as when mounted in orcein solution.