Mantle preparations should be done according to the descriptions published by Agerer (1991): Methods in Microbiology 23: 25-73. A Normarski interference constrast microscope (DIC) is most convenient to examine the mantles, since it allows to focus different mantle layers consecutively, without interference from hyphal layers laying beneath or above the focused level (A). It is necessary to apply always the highest magnification (1000×); only for discerning patterns of hyphal arrangement, lower magnifications should be used (400×). The application of a well adjusted microscope is self-evident.
The very tip, the cap of the ectomycorhiza, should always be kept as a separate preparation. The convex side indicates the outer mantle surface; it should be oriented upwards. It can best be taken off by a small piece of razor blade or cut off by a very fine injection needle of that kind it is used by verterinaries for small animals.
 A |