The examination of fresh or living plant material in an environmental scanning electron microscope

SUMMARY An environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) has been developed which allows the examination of specimens at pressures up to 6 kPa. This new technique has been applied to the examination of live and wet plant specimens. The results are compared with those obtained using similar material that has been dehydrated or prepared by conventional techniques. The plant materials can survive the hypobaric pressure and beam irradiation, especially if the latter is carefully controlled.