As in the case of pollen and phytolith analyses, the study of fossil starch grains can help the ethnobotanist to better understand the diet of ancient human cultures. Fritzsche described the starches obtained from a variety of plants. . . He noted not only that the starches from different sources were different, but also that often the form was so characteristic as to determine the plant, or, at least, indicate the genus and family from which the specimen was obtained. From the differences observed he was enabled to tabulate the various forms, and he published a classification that has continued to be quoted in various standard works, even at the present time. This area is reserved for an open forum on all aspects of starch research.
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The starches of various plant species can be distinguished from one another by using a combination of light and chemical tests. IX, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, pp. Intensity, distinctness, shape, regularity and position of the interference figure varies from species to species. Several drops are placed on a specimen and examined microscopically under low power. Intermediate values are given in the Iodine Reaction Chart .