Application of Epi-Illumination Light Microscopy for Study of Floral Ontogeny in Fruit Trees

In modern research era, assortment of efficient and easy-to-use methodology have been considered as the prerequisite for scientific investigations. For study of plant organogenesis, Epi-Illumination Light Microscopy (ELM) offers an alternative procedure to the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) due to its low cost and time-saving feature. Advantages of ELM as a three-dimensional (3D) technique along with bio-imaging software capability for improving the depth-of-focus, suggest a new approach for studying the floral initiation in fruit trees. In this study, we aimed to address the advantage of digital ELM use in conjunction with image processing software for demonstration of floral ontogeny in some fruit trees. The floral development in apple, quince and sour cherry using this de novo ELM methodology resulted in clear and high-resolution images comparable to that of SEM. Using digital ELM, we were capable to study in detail of the first stages of floral initiation as well as the final stages of flower organogenesis in examined plants. Upon our findings, we suggest implementation of the digital ELM as a powerful and low cost technique for horticultural investigations.