The Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV) remains a serious threat to greenhouse growers worldwide. The virus is highly contagious and can easily spread to plants through mechanical means such as handling crops with contaminated hands, clothes, tools, or even cell phones. To prevent the spread of the virus, growers must implement strict biosecurity measures. However, scientific research laboratories mention that spreading viruses via contaminated water is a risk as well, and this risk can be reduced by disinfecting the drain water before reusing it.
A research trial by Groen Agro Control shows that UV-C disinfection is an effective way to prevent the spread of ToBRFV through drain water.
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“The recommended standard dose of UV-C is 250 mJ/cm2, which has been proven effective against other plant pathogens,” explains Kees van der Kruk, water specialist at Priva. “Our Vialux M-line UV-C disinfection unit not only meets the recommended dose, but it also comes with over 25 years of proven experience in drain water disinfection”. The use of UV-C disinfection systems for drain water is a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly method that can help prevent the spread of ToBRFV among tomato growers worldwide.
5 benefits of UV-C disinfection for CEA
Improved plant health: Disinfecting drain water with UV-C light not only prevents the spread of viruses such as ToBRFV and other pathogens but it also eliminates harmful microorganisms that can affect plant health. This can lead to better yields, improved quality of products, and overall healthier plants.
Protection against other pathogens: UV-C disinfection can also protect against other plant pathogens that can be present in drain water, such as Phytophthora and Pythium. This can prevent disease outbreaks and reduce the need for chemical treatments.
Increased sustainability: By disinfecting and reusing drain water, growers can reduce their water and fertilizer usage and waste. This can lead to significant cost savings and a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
Compliance with regulations: Many regions have regulations in place that require growers to treat and disinfect drain water before it is discharged into the environment. By using UV-C disinfection, growers can comply with these regulations and avoid stiff penalties.
Easy to integrate into existing systems: UV-C disinfection systems can be easily integrated into existing greenhouse drainage systems without the need for major modifications or disruptions to operations. This makes it a convenient and practical solution for growers.
For more information:
Priva
contact.priva@priva.nl
www.priva.com