Practical guidelines for quantitative wood anatomy on Ginkgo biloba L.

Summary Ginkgo biloba L., a long-lived relict species, has high ecological, cultural and economic value. Studying the quantitative wood anatomy of G. is important to understand relationships between their tree-growth climate change, which could help in protection old trees. Preparing high-quality thin sections premise analysis. In addition, manual correction image analysis time-consuming process. We therefore present protocol on how make xylem sections, from sample preparation, embedding, blade selection thickness selection. also method determine necessary width number cores establish reliable anatomical time series that both can capture signals reduce used for For microsection it optimal cut 20–30- μ m-thick using Leica DB80 blades after applying cornstarch solution top surface. analysis, be established when measuring six (trees) or above, environmental are captured analyzing 1.2-mm-wide radial strip along increment core (deviation <2%) parameters cell density, mean lumen area, potential hydraulic conductivity percentage conductive area. This paper provides practical guidance successfully use methods . hope our study will helpful future research similar tree species.