[I've rearranged the quoted material since the attributions were getting tangled up.] Doug Westfall first wrote: > I recommend "washing" them for about 20 min. in a mild solution > of chlorox after they have been "peeled." Paul Tyerman then asked: > What exactly is Chlorox and what does it do? "Chlorox" is an American brand name for a 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution sold as laundry bleach, disinfectant, and cleanser. No soap or detergent in it, but there may be some scent to mask the rather repugnant odor. In Canada, we get the same (or a very similar) product under the name "Javex", though "Chlorox" is also sold here. I imagine that a similar product is available in most countries. A dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite (considerably more dilute that 5.25%) is a pretty good mild disinfectant. I don't think anything can build up a resistance to it, unlike the antibacterials added to so many products these days. And it's effective against virtually all microorganisms, both bacteria and fungi. Doug might want to try the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution sold in drugstores as a seed sterilant. My guess is that it's less likely than sodium hypochlorite to damage the seed because it's not as powerful an oxidant. -- Rodger Whitlock Victoria, British Columbia, Canada "To co-work is human, to cow-ork, bovine."