Ink and vinegar, a simple staining technique for arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungi

Appl Environ Microbiol. 1998 Dec;64(12):5004-7. doi: 10.1128/AEM.64.12.5004-5007.1998.

Abstract

We developed a reliable, inexpensive, and simple method for staining arbuscular-mycorrhizal fungal colonizations in root tissues. Apart from applications in research, this nontoxic, high-quality staining method also could be of great utility in teaching exercises. After adequate clearing with KOH, an ink-vinegar solution successfully stained all fungal structures, rendering them clearly visible.