Much research is being done to discover alternatives to methyl bromide used primarily in soil sterilization. The total withdrawl of the chemical is forseen in 2004 as part of the Montreal protocol. It was recently announced that the USDA is backing further research in the pesticide propargyl bromide to the tune of US$1million (GrowerTalks Vol 65/No.8) www.growertalks.com Other growers are converting to steam sterilization but in areas of strong sunshine, solarisation is very promising. Polythene sheets are laid over the soil and solar energy increases the soil temperatures sufficient high to kill most pathogenic agents, weed seeds and other unwanted elements over a sufficiently long period of 30-40 days. By adding organic substances to the soil prior to solarisazion, the increased temperatures cause the release of ammonia with the consequent inhibition of pathogenic fungi and nematodes, realizing in the process ‘biofumigation’. A research project conducted by Girolamo Cartia of the Agrochemical and Agrobiological Department of the University of Reggio Calabria, concluded that solarisation represents one of the most significant innovations in reducing the impact of intensive horticulture on the environment and improving socio-economic aspects and health. The booklet by Girolamo Cartia "Alternatives to Methyl Bromide in Intensive Horticulture" constitutes a useful reference work on this subject. "Colture Protette" Fax 096 5689060