Lauryl pentachlorophenate protecting herbarium specimens
Whitmore, T.C.
Taxon 14(5): 164-165
1965
ISSN/ISBN: 0040-0262 Accession: 024937639
A weak solution (5%) in mineral petroleum ether of the chemical pentachlorophenyl laurate (LPCP) sprayed on herbarium specimens does not discolor the material, nor effect the print and the ink or pencil. After spraying the specimens are placed in the hot sun for about 10 mins. to evaporate the solvent, leaving only the poison. Only the specimen has to be sprayed. This treatment is highly toxic to fungi and insects but harmless to humans. The method is rapid and very cheap. It is used at the Forest Herbarium Lae of New Guinea and the British Museum (Natural History).