High-resolution episcopic microscopy enables three-dimensional visualization of plant morphology and development

Area of Science:

• Plant anatomy and developmental biology
• Microscopy and imaging techniques
• Woody plant research

Background:

• Traditional plant anatomy relies on 2D sections, limiting spatial understanding.
• Light microscopy and histology have historical significance but lack 3D context.
• High-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) offers whole-mount 3D imaging at near-histological resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply HREM for analyzing plant developmental processes in woody species.
• To investigate oil secretory cavity development in citrus fruits.
• To examine adventitious root formation in persimmon rootstock clones with varying rooting abilities.

Main Methods:

• Application of high-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) for whole-mount 3D imaging.
• Analysis of 3D HREM models of citrus fruit peel during development.
• Comparative analysis of 3D HREM models of persimmon rootstock clones.

Main Results:

• HREM revealed schizogenous initiation of oil cavities in early citrus fruitlet development.
• Detailed analysis of citrus secretory cavity formation, shape, volume, and distribution.
• Difficult-to-root persimmon clones showed impaired adventitious root primordia initiation compared to easy-to-root clones.

Conclusions:

• HREM is a powerful tool for advancing 3D plant anatomy and understanding developmental processes.
• New insights into citrus secretory cavity development and factors limiting adventitious root formation in persimmons were obtained.
• HREM facilitates comparative studies of plant development and aids in understanding horticultural traits.