Fig. 6

SEM micrographs of transverse sections (controlled retting with microbial formulation) of jute stems. (a, b) Nonretted stems (day 0), undamaged cementing material between and around fibre bindles; (c, d) Mid-retted (day 7) stems, absence of cementing material around fibre bindles, partial separation of fibre bindles; (e, f) Retted stems (day 10), complete separation of fibre bundles, no presence of cementing material between or around the fibre bundles