Care must be taken so enough chemical is present for protection without affecting the germination of these organs. In contrast, recent tests in Stanislaus County, California, have shown that none of the traditional materials have given any better results than using no treatment at all. However, there are problems with controlling post- harvest disease. Most products effective against storage diseases are harmful to the consumers' health and are very thoroughly regulated. Many of the materials used cause injury to the products in storage.
Some chemicals give off undesirable odors.
Most chemical are used as dilute solutions on fruits or vegetables. Other materials commonly used include borax, biphenyl, thiabendazole, capstan, and benzoic acid. Most of these material are used for the control of storage rots. Treatment is done days, weeks or months before planting. Some of the chemicals are so volatile that plastic or other coverings are used to hold the fumes in the soil longer.