A Canadian bell pepper grower was recently alarmed by a troubling laboratory report. High levels of Fusarium Oxysporum and Fusarium Proliferatum were found in the feed water. Bad news, as the fungi are known to cause root problems and crop failures.
However, further investigation of the lab results showed that no active Fusarium spores were found in the water. This is because the grower installed USAF™ cavitating ultrasonic transmitters, shares Ultramins. Their system has killed the Fusarium spores. "DNA-based laboratory tests also detect dead fungal spores," they know at Ultramins. "Therefore, when USAF™ ultrasonic systems are present, a vitality test of water using CFU counts (colony-forming units) is essential to confirm that the remaining spores are inactive and pose no risk."
Fresh Venture Farms, the grower in question, has been working with USAF cavitating ultrasonic transmitters for over 2.5 years. Additionally, the grower doses only a percentage of hydrogen peroxide and works with a nanobubble system. Other techniques to disinfect the water besides the USAF transmitters are not used by the grower.
Ultramins now supplies USAF™ cavitating ultrasonic transmitters in more than 50 countries. Eric van Velzen, business development manager at Ultramins, continues to be amazed at how water is underestimated in horticulture, as he recently mentioned during a visit to several growers in the north of the Netherlands. "Water travels like a train through your greenhouse and stops at every station. In horticulture, we are very focused on above-ground activities, but what's happening underground also requires special attention."
USAF™ is a trademark of Luijkx Ultrasound B.V.
For more information:
Ultramins B.V.
Tel.: +31(0) 85 023 10 97
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www.ultramins.com