Autofluorescence

Autofluorescence of whole mycorrhizae can be tested by UV light of 254 and 366 nm wave length. Ectomycorrhizae can be examined laying in water; the almost complete darkness of a cabinet must be guaranteed in order to detect autofluorescence. This feature is particularly present in ectomycorrhizae of some species of a few fungal relationships, which are known to have autofluorescing fruitbodies, e.g. Dermocybe, and Cortinarius subg. Leprocybe.

Autofluorescence of sections can best be examined applying cryotome cross-sections, 10-20 µm thick, laid in lactic acid.