The significance of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis petal extract as stains in plant systematic research was investigated. This was borne out of the desire to obtain cheap, available stains from effective and safe bio-sources to replace hazardous synthetic chemicals employed as stains in plant systematic research. 100g of petals obtained from the plant was homogenized using a mortar and pestle. Extraction was done using methanol and ethyl acetate in a sonicator for 1 hour. The extract was filtered using whatman filter paper and concentrated at 40oC using a thermostatic water bath. The efficacy of this dye was tested on eighty (80) foliar epidermal peel slides prepared from two plant specimens (Ixora parviflora and Allium cepa). Eighty (80) epidermal peel slides were also prepared and stained with safranin. All slides were viewed under the compound light microscope. Images were captured using digital camera under x40 objective lens. Results from the two sources of stain were compared. Hibiscus stain revealed better contrasting features of stomata, guard cells and epidermal cells than safranin. Epidermal cell walls and different shapes of the epidermal cells were more vividly elucidated on the abaxial and adaxial surfaces of I. parviflora. The different types of stomata present in all preparations under Hibiscus stain were more conspicuously seen without muddle. All images emanating from this stain were excellent and appealing with consistent brownish effect. I. parviflora specimens stained with safranin on the other hand yielded less contrasting anatomical features. Images were less appealing and generally inconsistent with reddish effect. Independent staining effect on Allium cepa also showcased the superiority of Hibiscus stain over safranin by producing sharper images with more enhanced contrasts. The ability of Hibiscus stain to vividly reveal cell wall demarcations, guard cells, stomata and general outline of the epidermal cells has suggested its significance in plant anatomical research. The stain is effective, user friendly, non-hazardous, easily prepared, cheaply available, generally accessible and environmentally friendly. This cheaper biological source of stain may reduce importation of stain into the country and help save time and money.
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Author Name: Aguoru, C.U *, Okelionwu, S. and Olasan, J.O.
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Keywords: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Extract, Safranin, Biological stain, Plant anatomy, Systematics.
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EISSN: 2249 –1929
EOI/DOI: nil
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