Simple differential staining method of paraffin-embedded plant sections with safranin-alcian blue

Abstract

We present here a modified protocol for safranin-alcian blue staining of paraffin-embedded plant samples. After deparaffination, the double staining uses a 2:1 mix of 1% safranin and 1% alcian blue. This method is less expensive than previously published double staining protocols as it does not require absolute ethanol. Moreover, safranin-alcian blue staining creates a range of hues that allows good cell type differentiation, it gives reproducible results for a wide variety of plant tissues and is easy to use. We hope it will be found useful both for research and teaching purposes.