Effect of Support on Lianescent Xylem Formation
To investigate the impact of
support availability on the formation of lianescent xylem, we analyzed
plants cultivated for 32 months, both with and without support (Fig. 2d
and 2e, respectively). Two-centimeter-length stem samples were collected
at regular 50 cm intervals, starting from the apex and avoiding nodes
and potential injury. Subsequently, fresh cross-sections 10 to 25 µm in
thickness were obtained using a sliding microtome. Sections were then
mounted unstained on 50% glycerin semi-permanent slides, or double
stained with 1% Astra Blue and 1% Safranin (Bukatsch, 1972).
Photomicrographs were captured as previously described.