Baryon number violation catalyzed by grand unified monopoles

It has been recognized for some time that grand unified monopoles may catalyze Delta B not=0 processes. The authors obtain model-independent upper bounds on the rates for such reactions from the survival of the baryon number generated in the early Universe and from present-day baryon stability. These constraints are compatible with recent estimates of large baryon number violating monopole cross sections, but a monopole flux close to present experimental upper limits could be detectable in forthcoming baryon decay experiments. The authors mention signatures for monopole-induced baryon 'decay' and point out that it could be used to solve the energy crisis.