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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Improved tree-ring visualization using autofluorescence

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Author(s):
Godoy-Veiga, Milena [1] ; Slotta, Franziska [2] ; Alecio, Paula Christiani [1] ; Ceccantini, Gregorio [1] ; Buckeridge, Marcos Silveira [1] ; Locosselli, Giuliano Maselli [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Biosci, Dept Bot, Rua Matao 277, BR-05508090 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Free Univ Berlin, Inst Geol Sci, Dept Earth Sci, Malteserstr 74-100, D-12249 Berlin - Germany
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: DENDROCHRONOLOGIA; v. 55, p. 33-42, JUN 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

The great diversity of wood anatomical features found in trees worldwide results in a broad variety of growthring boundary types that are not always easy to recognize, especially in tropical woods. However, the presence of clearly visible limits between tree rings is essential for any tree-ring studies. Here, we propose the use of autofluorescence of wood in order to enhance tree-ring visualization. The multispectral light emitted from the fluorescence stereomicroscope can be filtered in specific wavelengths to improve the visualization of wood anatomical features. To evaluate the effectiveness of this technique, we compared visualization under natural light, GFP (green fluorescent protein) filter, RFP (red fluorescent protein) filter and UV filter. We tested this technique with a set of 38 tree species with different types of growth-ring boundaries. Although results are species-specific, fluorescence has been shown to improve the visualization of growth-ring boundaries by enhancing the contrast among cell types. It may highlight fibrous zones (e.g. Cavanillesia arborea, Aspidosperma polyneuron), different porosity patterns (e.g. Myracrodruon urundeuva), secretory canals (e.g. Copaifera langsdorffu), and parenchyma bands (e.g. Tipuana tipu). Fluorescence allows the visualization of growth-ring boundaries in species that were previously described as having indistinct growth rings under natural light. For species with clear tree-ring boundaries such as Cedrela fissilis and Hymenaea courbaril, this approach aids the identification of false rings. In addition to the visualization of growth-ring boundaries, autofluorescence may be useful for other qualitative and quantitative analyses of wood anatomy, such as wood identification and automated measurements of anatomical features. Scientists struggling with tree-ring counting and cross-dating due to difficult tree-ring visualization may find fluorescence useful. It may also aid to identify new species suitable for tree-ring studies. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/21728-2 - The use of modern autopsy techniques to investigate human diseases (MODAU)
Grantee:Paulo Hilário Nascimento Saldiva
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 15/25511-3 - Climate and pollution reconstruction based on urban tree-rings growth records
Grantee:Giuliano Maselli Locosselli
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
FAPESP's process: 17/50085-3 - PIRE: climate research education in the Americas using tree-ring speleothem examples (PIRE-CREATE)
Grantee:Francisco William da Cruz Junior
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 08/57908-6 - National Institute of Science and Technology of Bioethanol
Grantee:Marcos Silveira Buckeridge
Support Opportunities: Program for Research on Bioenergy (BIOEN) - Thematic Grants