Abstract Detail

Biodiversity Informatics & Herbarium Digitization

Herbarium Curation and Conservation Practices: Survey and Analysis of Archival Adhesive Material.

Herbarium curation is significantly impacted by the type of adhesives used to create a voucher. Modern methods of gluing entire specimens have caused issues for genetic research and morphological trait analysis. In this study, a survey was initiated to document trends and protocols associated with herbaria in the USA. The survey information emphasized a necessity for concise adhesives protocol. Herbaria across the USA utilize a variety of methods and materials in voucher specimen mounting. Eight commonly used adhesive types were put under scrutiny in relation to their ease of use, conservatism, contact with specimens, deformation of the specimen, and removability after long term storage. The tested adhesives were graded based on how efficient the adhesive was in maintaining the plant specimen's position while limiting the adhesive's contact to or impact on the plant specimen's identifying characteristics. Overall, poly-vinyl-acetate, methyl-cellulose, water-activated gummed linen tape, and acrylic glues were the most commonly used and the best-reviewed on the basis of quality and relative stability. Conclusively, this study suggests a new form of adhesive which synthesizes poly-vinyl-acetate (Jade 403) with starch gummed linen tape.

1 - Utah Valley University, Biology, 800 W University Pkwy, Orem, UT, 84058, United States

Keywords:
Herbaria
Protocol
Herbarium
Adhesives
Archival
Curation.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: BIHD1, Biodiversity Informatics & Herbarium Digitization I
Location: Virtual/Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 29th, 2020
Time: 3:15 PM
Number: BIHD1002
Abstract ID:47
Candidate for Awards:None