One of the biggest challenges in modern greenhouse cultivation is managing viruses. The high productivity of new crop varieties makes plants more vulnerable to diseases. Alessandro Montanarella, consultant at Cultilene, explains how growers can protect their crops with strict hygiene measures.
Why is hygiene so important?
Viruses spread rapidly through people, tools, water, and even food. For instance, contaminated footwear can carry pathogens directly into the greenhouse, while unwashed hands after handling infected materials can facilitate virus transfer onto plants. Additionally, tools and irrigation systems can act as carriers for diseases if not properly cleaned.
Even if these oversights seem small, they can lead to significant consequences. Many growers have already faced the consequences of viruses such as ToBRFV (Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus) leading to reduced crop yield and economic losses.
Core principles of greenhouse hygiene
To minimize the risk of virus transmission, it is crucial to follow strict hygiene protocols within the greenhouse. Limiting access is one of the first steps—only employees and essential visitors should be allowed inside.
Specific clothing requirements are also important. Greenhouse-specific clothing and footwear should be used, and employees should leave their personal clothing outside to avoid carrying in contaminants. Hand hygiene plays a vital role as well. Regular handwashing and disinfection, especially after contact with potential contamination sources, help reduce the risk of spreading viruses.
Food should be completely banned in the greenhouse. Even something as small as a slice of tomato in a sandwich can introduce harmful viruses to the plants. Finally, consistent cleaning procedures are necessary. Surfaces should be disinfected regularly, for instance by using products like hydrogen peroxide, to maintain a safe environment for the crops.
While most growers already have established strict protocols, it's very easy to break a rule unintentionally. For example, while it seems harmless, things like visiting supermarkets and re-entering the greenhouse without precautions significantly increase the risk of contamination. Adhering to hygiene protocols is a collective responsibility that requires consistent effort from everyone involved.
Water: A hidden risk
Besides human interaction with plants, there is another risk for the spreading of diseases: water. Water is a significant carrier of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Regular analysis and treatment are essential to mitigate this risk. By monitoring water quality regularly to detect the presence of living organisms, you can take appropriate action in time to prevent contamination.
Additionally, controlling the water temperature plays a crucial role in preventing diseases. The advice is to keep the water temperature below 28°C. Not only do these lower temperatures help to optimize oxygen uptake, the also reduce the likelihood of conditions that promote the spread of pathogens.
© Cultilene
Tips for a virus-free greenhouse
Maintaining a virus-free greenhouse sometimes requires creative and practical measures that go beyond the basics. One simple tip is to assign specific colours to clothing for each day of the week. This approach not only helps track compliance, but also creates a visual system for identifying potential lapses in hygiene practices.
Additionally, consider implementing a system for disinfecting personal items such as phones or tools before entering the greenhouse. This is particularly useful for preventing the accidental introduction of viruses.
Finally, be mindful of potential contamination from tobacco products, as viruses such as TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus) can be transmitted via hands or clothing that have come into contact with tobacco. As a precaution, smoking or handling tobacco products should be strictly prohibited within greenhouse environments.
Prevent major losses
While hygiene measures cannot completely eliminate risks, the fear of contamination is valid and shared by many growers. Viruses can spread quickly and cause significant losses. However, by following strict hygiene protocols, you can minimize the chances of an outbreak.
For more information:
Saint-Gobain Cultilene
cultilene.com
