RE: leaf prep(sterilization)

["Yvan Alleau" <yalleau@coas.oregonstate.edu>]

Hi Matt,
I would at least boil them in order to get read of all/most of the bacteria,
fungi and small bugs (parasite) that they contain.
It is unlikely however that these critters would survive in an aquatic
medium if you collected the leaves on land. If collected in swamps, river
bed, wet banks, ponds, etc.. i would think that their hosts would be adapted
to living under water and would therefore be more of a threat.
I think that boiling them will also remove some of the tanin they contain,
so if you are choosing them for that aspect more than for the habitat (and
look) they will create, do not boil them for too long. Boiling them would
also make them sink.
have a good we
c ya

Yvan Alleau
450 SE Atwood Ave
Corvallis, OR 97333
(541) 752-0320

College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences
Oregon State University
Burt 222: (541) 737-3649

"When you're far from everything, you're getting closer to the essential"


-----Original Message-----
From: owner-apisto@admin.listbox.com
[mailto:owner-apisto@admin.listbox.com]On Behalf Of Matt & Linda Crocker
Sent: Sunday, December 22, 2002 9:31 AM
To: apisto list
Subject: leaf prep(sterilization)


    I have more oak leaves than I can use, and more than I want to rake.
Do these need to be sterilized? Or just use them right out of the yard?

Matt



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