Abstract

Mould protection of wet-blue continues to be a major cost and concern to tanners. There is a need for more effective fungicides with low human and fish toxicity and minimum environmental impact.

The advantages and disadvantages of currently used fungicides are reviewed. There are problems associated with reduced effectiveness of some fungicides in the presence of sulfide, bisulfite, oxidising agents or grease. Systems used to overcome these problems are compared. Also, fungicides which can control difficult moulds, such as Cladosporium, are discussed.

Standard methods for testing fungicidal efficacy are compared with tropical chamber methods. Results of both laboratory and industrial trials comparing a range of fungicides show the benefits of some combinations.