[Nhcoll-l] Questions about wet preservation of plants (to be stored with painted bottles)

[Lewis, Deborah A [EEOBS]]

Hi, all,

The message below was forwarded to me through the Iowa State University Extension Service. I can send her information about techniques and archival supplies for preparing her pressed plants, but I haven't had much experience with wet collections.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Deb Lewis

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I have been reading about wet preservation.  Basically I would like to in ball jars make aquariums with little painted bottles and plants.  I have read a lot about it, but I can't seem to find something that won't remove paint, mineral oil, and glycerin are my favorites I am not opposed to 70% ETOH solution which I guess is Kew Garden's preferred method for wet preservation.  I found a fixative which seems harmless 90% lemon juice and a touch dish washing soap to soak plants in.  I have some pressed samples that I can preserve on paper, I have PVA.  I would like to do it without chemicals although I don't mind the ETOH mixture also Isopropyl alchohol.  In any case I would love your input, the object is to make a wet preservation and pressed items to last for a long time.  I want to stay away from Formalin as a fixative.

Any help would be appreciated, any reading materials will be appreciated.  Your help generally will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ann

Deborah Q. Lewis, Curator
Ada Hayden Herbarium (ISC/IA)
EEOB Department                                 Phone:  (1) 515-294-9499
Iowa State University                          FAX: (1) 515-294-1337
342 Bessey                                               Email: dlewis at iastate.edu<mailto:dlewis at iastate.edu>
2200 Osborn Drive
Ames, IA  50011-4009  (USA)

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