title: Methods for characterizing plant fibers.
abstract: The effectiveness of different microscopy techniques for measuring the dimensions of ultimate fibers from harakeke (Phormium tenax, New Zealand flax) was investigated using a factorial experimental design. Constant variables were geographical location, location of specimens along the leaf, season (winter), individual plant, a fourth leaf from a north-facing fan, age of plant, and cultivars (two). Experimental variables were microscopy techniques and measurement axis. Measurements of width and length of harakeke ultimate fibers depended on the microscopic preparation/technique used as well as the cultivar examined. The best methods were (i) transverse sections of leaf specimens 4 microm thick, embedded in Paraplast and observed using light microscopy, and (ii) nonfixed ultimate fibers observed using scanning electron microscopy.
authors.affiliation: Clothing and Textile Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Natasha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cruthers
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Carr
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Niven
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Girvan
authors.forename: Raechel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Laing
mesh_terms: D000070357:Asparagaceae / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008853:Microscopy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D012621:Seasons; D013784:Textiles