Making sure your greenhouse is 100% clean and sanitized before the start of your new crop is essential. This is crucial because a 99% clean leaves dormant pathogens behind, which can then re-emerge and infect your next crop. Intrahorti gives the top five of the most important considerations for a good crop change.
- Clean thoroughly before disinfection
Disinfection without thorough cleaning makes absolutely no sense. Disinfectants usually only work on the surface they come into contact with. They often do not penetrate deeper into different materials. This means that even though the surface appears disinfected, there may still be many pathogens and viruses lurking beneath the contamination. When cleaning gutters and surfaces, use not just water but a product such as Intra Foamcleaner to remove contamination. - Choose the right disinfectant
Identify the specific pathogen you are dealing with and choose a product with the right properties. If your goal is to eliminate viruses, make sure you choose a product developed for that specific purpose with the right dosage and contact time. - Look for hidden pathogens
Remember that bacteria, fungi, and viruses are minuscule. They can hide on seemingly flat surfaces. Even a coated gutter can have hidden spots when viewed under a microscope. Using a product with strong penetration properties along with a good effluent is essential to really reach these hidden spots. - Clean the total water system
Your water and/or irrigation system serves as a highway for pathogens. The period when your greenhouse is empty is ideal to give your water system a thorough check-up. Check for any biofilm build-up also in storage silos because using clean water during cultivation is no guarantee of keeping all surfaces clean, biofilm can develop everywhere. Intra Hydropure offers a safe way to clean your system without leaving residues, so you can be assured of a clean system all season long. - Getting it clean and, most importantly, keeping it clean
Once your greenhouse is clean, the real challenge is to keep it that way. Set up a solid hygiene protocol for the crop and make sure your staff is well-informed and actively involved in maintaining these important hygiene standards. Prevention is still better than cure!
Do you have questions about greenhouse hygiene, or would you like advice? Then don't hesitate to contact Intrahorti. Start by downloading the Hygiene Protocol recommendations. Hygiene is an important pillar in the success of your next crop.
For more information:
Intrahorti
Voltaweg 4
5466 AZ, Veghel
Tel.: +31 (0)413 354 105
[email protected]
www.intrahorti.nl