Ultrastructural localization of silver deposits in the receptacle cells of carnation flowers

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Abstract
Carnations were treated with a silver thiosulphate complex to prevent wilting of the flowers. The ultrastructural localization of silver and sulphur in the receptacle tissue was investigated by electron microscopy. Electron-dense deposits were present in the receptacle tissue. Coarse-grained deposts (diam. 60–100 nm) were predominantly observed at the inner side of the cell wall, whereas fine-grained deposits (diam. 20–60 nm) were predominantly present inside the cell-wall region and in the intercellular spaces. These particles were analyzed for chemical elements by X-ray analytical electron microscopy (Philips EM 400 plus Edax energy dispersive analyzer, type 711). In both types of deposits, the presence of silver and sulphur was verified. Point analysis revealed that in both precipitates the S/Ag ratio was of the same order.