PREFACE

During the 10 years between the 1st and the 2nd Symposium on Soil Disinfestation, a remarkable evolution in this specific field of plant protection was stated. For that, and also on request of numerous interested scientists, this meeting was organised with the aim to centralise all new findings and to initiate a broad discussion between specialists of different countries. This is a necessity because the reduction of the soil borne plant pathogenic population by means of precultural practices became more and more necessary for an intensive and rational plant production. At the same time problems with toxicity and environmental pollution occurred.

During seven subsequent sessions, the whole field of problems encountered with soil fumigation was discussed. Much attention was paid to the actual situation of methyl bromide application and the problems who can arise with this. Solutions are proposed at the field of application, environmental protection and the residue in the plant and the diet. In addition, alternative means of soil disinfestation, chemical as well as physical, were discussed. Very new is the use of micro-waves, while an other physical method, the soil solarization, a very interesting, low cost treatment for subtropical and tropical conditions, also is developed in the last decade. All presented papers (except two) are published in this volume, which contains 35 contributions.

Apart of the interesting lectures and official discussions, all participants appreciated highly the many occasions for informal discussions and personal contacts. As a result of the fruitful meeting, many participants expressed the wish to have the next symposium on soil disinfestation within a shorter period e.g. five years instead of after ten years. We will remain this wish in our mind.

A. Vanachter