**7.1 Storage of fungicides**

Fungicides, surface sterilants and disinfectants are obviously harmful to human beings, and hence proper handing and storage are always good and important practices in plant tissue culture laboratories. Poor storage of fungicides/disinfectants could lead to their fast deterioration. This can make them less efficient in decontaminating plant cultures. Poor storage can also accelerate the expiry of the fungicides and disinfectants as they may be exposed to moisture. Long exposure to moisture due to the poor storage could alter the chemical composition of the fungicides or disinfectants, and hence making them less efficient. Proper storage of fungicides should include observing its ideal storage temperature and good containers to avoid any possible damage or leakage.

#### **7.2 Disposal of used fungicides**

Proper disposal of fungicides and other disinfectants must be adhered to. In many plant culture laboratories, disinfectants, surface sterilants and fungicides are decanted through water drainage system after rinsing the stock plants. Disinfectants such as HgCl2 are known to be corrosive, and hence can damage the water drainage system. Proper disposal of such disinfectants must be taken into consideration. For instance, it may be advisable to dig a pit where HgCl2 solutions must be disposed off and buried. This is because heavy metals are also not friendly to the environment, and hence proper disposal is needed.
