MARINDUQUE STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
First Semester, A.Y. 2026-2027
CRPT 1 – Principles of Crop Protection
Basic Microscopy
A microscope is one of the most useful tools a crop protectionist has when trying to
identify the causal agents of pest problems. Sometimes they will provide you with
information that will allow you to know exactly what is causing a plant disorder.
Proper microscope use is one of the most important skills that a beginning plant
pathology student can learn. Microscopes were developed during the late 17th century and
continue to be important in identifying fungi and other causal agents of plant diseases.
Although microscopes often are introduced to students early in their science classes,
students frequently do not learn how to use and care for microscopes. In fact, in many
classes microscopes are set up by someone else, and students are told not to change
anything other than possibly the focus. This teaching aid provides basic information and
instructions on how to set up, use, and care for microscopes, essential skills for plant
pathologists.
Two types of light microscopes are commonly used in introductory plant pathology
courses. These microscopes are the compound microscope (Figure 1) and the dissecting
or stereo microscope (Figure 2). Dissecting microscopes are commonly used for the
observation of larger objects and generally have magnifications of less than 100x. The light
source used with the dissecting microscope can be located above the microscope stage, or
the light may be transmitted through the base of the stage. Compound microscopes are
used for the observation of smaller specimens which are placed on microscope slides and
topped with a cover slip. Such specimens should be transparent or translucent because
light must be transmitted through the specimen to reach the lens of the microscope.
Magnifications commonly found on compound microscopes are between 10x and 1000x.
MARINDUQUE STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Stage
Figure 1. Parts of a compound microscope
Link to a video on compound microscope: [Link]
[Link]
MARINDUQUE STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Figure 2. Parts of a dissecting microscope
Table 1. Major components of microscopes and their general description and purpose.
Component Description
Base Metal or plastic part on which the microscope rests
Somewhat C-shaped pillar arising from the base that supports the
Arm
stage and ocular components
The flat platform attached to the lower portion of the arm on which
Stage
slides or samples are placed
The lever beneath the opening in the stage consists of a shutter-like
Condenser or Iris
group of metal leaves which regulate the amount of light coming
Diaphragm lever
through the slide on the stage
Not present on all microscopes - collects illuminator light rays and
Condenser focuses them - increases the resolution, enhances the contrast of
sample
Condenser
Raises and lowers the condenser
adjustment knob
Tube/Barrel The cylindrical/vertical part attached at the top of the arm for
MARINDUQUE STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Table 1. Major components of microscopes and their general description and purpose.
Component Description
support of the optical system
The revolving plate which bears the objective lens, attached at the
Turret
lower end of the tube, can be turned to change the objective lens
The larger knob which moves the tube up or down rapidly to get
Coarse Focus
the sample into coarse focus
The smaller knob which moves the tube through short distances
Fine Focus
slowly and is used to get the sample into sharp focus
Transformer or
Controls the amount of light transferred to the sample
illuminator
Eyepiece (ocular The removable, short metal tube that contains lens that fit into the
lens) top of the tube - generally 10-15x magnification
Eyepiece Focusing
Adjustment used to compensate for differences between eyes
Ring
Small metal tubes screwed into the turret which increase the
Objective Lens
magnification of the sample. (often referred to as just objective)
Mirror Used to reflect light through a sample
Mirror Axle Used to adjust the mirror to reflect light through a sample
Also referred to as a supplemental lens, may be found on dissecting
Auxiliary Lens
microscopes at the base of the objective cover or tube
How to Move and Transport Microscopes Properly
Microscopes are often stored in cabinets when they are not in use and must be
removed in order to use them. To remove microscopes from the storage area, place one
hand completely around the arm, and then place your other hand underneath the
microscope base. Always carry the microscope in an upright position. Carrying in any
other way may allow parts to fall from the microscope. Use care to ensure that electrical
cords are not entangled with those of other microscopes. Place the microscope on a clean
area of the desk or laboratory bench.
Light sources are required for most microscopic observations. The cord for the light
should be plugged into a suitable outlet. Dissecting microscope lights are often a unit
separate from the microscope. Such lights may be attached to the arm to illuminate the
stage from above the sample. Alternatively, light sources may be placed next to the stage
at the level of the sample, or below the stage.
Determination of Magnification
Magnification is a measure of the ability of the microscope to enlarge an image.
Resolution is a measure of the ability of the microscope to separate different points of the
image. Determining magnification is vital when comparing the sizes of different objects
being viewed with a microscope. Note the magnification of the eyepieces and the different
objectives on your microscope. The magnification is printed or etched on the side of the
objective and on the side or top of the eyepiece. This magnification is shown as a number
followed by an x (e.g. 15x). Dissecting microscopes may have an additional lens (referred
to as an auxiliary or supplemental lens) on the base of the objective cover in order to
increase magnification. Dissecting microscopes also may have a magnification knob which
changes the magnification when turned.
MARINDUQUE STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
Compound microscopes often have objectives which are designed strictly for use
with immersion oil. These objectives are identified by having the word "oil" engraved on
the side, near the number stating the magnification of the objective. Oil objectives cannot
be used without immersion oil. Other objectives cannot be used with oil and can be
damaged if inadvertently immersed in oil. The use of an oil immersion lens is essential
when viewing structures less than 10 µm in size. For example, magnification requiring an
oil immersion lens is necessary to determine the shape of an individual bacterium. Oil
immersion does not increase the magnification of the lens, but it improves the resolution or
sharpness of the image produced by the objective. When light passes through any
material to another, such as from glass to air, the light is refracted or bent. Light of different
wavelengths bends at different angles. Such refraction results in distortion, which can be
significant at higher magnifications. By putting a drop of immersion oil, which has the same
refractive index as glass, between the 100x objective and your slide, you significantly
reduce the light scattering that would otherwise occur, thereby increasing the resolution of
the image.
To determine the magnification of any image, you will need to multiply the eyepiece
magnification by the objective magnification. If an auxiliary lens is present on a dissecting
microscope, its magnification must be multiplied by the objective and eyepiece
magnifications. It is important to note the magnification on all drawings so that you can
compare the relative sizes of images that you observe at various times. In many cases, you
will need to use two or more different magnifications to view all the details of a sample.