La conservazione delle collezioni museali: l'esperienza dell'erbario di Roma (RO).

Herbarium specimens preservation: Roma's account. The general conservation state of the specimens kept in RO has been estimated, the principal causes of deterioration defined and some possible control methods tested. 300 packs out 1373 are being randonmly sorted and each sheet assigned to one of four deterioration states. By far the main deterioration agent was found to be Lasioderma serricorne (F.). Bad handling of specimens by untrained or careless people is probably the second main deterioration cause. Disinfestants and procedures for an insect-free environment maintenance have been examined. Chemichal agents which have been used in RO seem to be either ineffective or hazardous for regular frequenters. Microwave, heat and deep freezing treatment have been tested. The parameters required by our equipment for the definitive death of infesters have been defined. Plans for disinfestation and for the maintenance of an insect-free condition are suggested.