DimensionsApprox. H. 420mm x W. 930mm D. 475mm (closed)
Approx. H. 845mm x W. 930mm D. 475mm (open)Accession NumberM2022.65.10Credit LineDonated by David Pike
More Information
Description
Boiling basket made of galvanised steel pipe and wire mesh. Used to lower baskets of corms into boiling water, to sterilise or clean them before planting. The boiling water killed pests that caused diseases in banana plants. This system was to kill nematodes, to ensure nematode-free stock. The corms were cooked for a specific amount of time, long enough to cook the outside of the corm but not hurt the inside. It took place in the boiler at the plywood mill adjacent to the BGF loading depot at the jetty – and it stank! Not everyone used this process (or believed in it) but it was best practice and took place in Coffs up to about 1984.