Death of epithelial cells in loblolly pine roots

Epithelial cells are widely distributed in biological systems where they line tissue such as resin ducts. These extremely thin cells are located adjacent to primary tracheids and large parenchyma cells. The objective of this study was to describe death of the epithelial cells in relation to root necrosis and enzyme hydrolysis. Histological and histochemical methods were used to process root tissues from field plantings. Tissues were fixed in buffered neutral formalin (ph 7.0) and stained with nine different schedules. Light microscopy results show there was a gradation in damage to the roots. Epithelial cells displayed variation in necrosis and enzyme activity. Phenol (tannins) accumulated in the epithelial cells providing a good marker for predicting damage to loblolly roots. Further studies need to be conducted to better understand the nature of the tissue damage to the roots of loblolly pines.