Critical steps and troubleshooting in sample preparation for wood and phloem formation: from sampling to microscopic observation

We present a technical note that supplements published procedures on optimal sample preparation for performing wood and phloem formation analyses. Before beginning sampling, it is important to learn about the characteristics of tree or shrub species be investigated. Some tips are given how use Trephor tool in best way, remove outer hard bark (periderm), microcores should handled after removal from tree, they oriented embedding paraffin, cutting thin sections microscopy. Possible defects may result improper handling illustrated discussed. also images accurately identify different cell development stages xylem, which particularly challenging hardwoods Mediterranean species.