The challenge
- Persistent plant pathogens such as Fusarium and Pythium and viruses including PepMV and ToBRFV.
- Introduction through plant material, staff, clothing, footwear and equipment.
- Reinfection at crop change because of inadequate cleaning and disinfection.
- Mechanical spread of viruses through hands and tools.
Our approach
- 01At crop change, thoroughly clean with DeterBio® and then disinfect the greenhouse, gutters, equipment and tools with Virkon™S or Hyperox™.
- 02Use a hygiene barrier, clothing and hand hygiene, a boot dip and access controls for staff and visitors.
- 03Maintain equipment and tool hygiene to prevent spread between sections.
- 04Make cleaning before disinfection a fixed part of the procedure.
- 05Use fixed hygiene protocols and verify them throughout the crop cycle.
Recommended products
- Product
- Virkon™S
- Supplier
- LANXESS
- Application
- Broad-spectrum disinfectant for greenhouses, growing gutters, equipment and tools; effective against relevant plant pathogens and applied to surfaces and equipment.
- Product
- DeterBio®
- Supplier
- LANXESS
- Application
- Alkaline cleaner for loosening and removing organic material before disinfection.
- Product
- Hyperox™
- Supplier
- LANXESS
- Application
- Peracetic-acid disinfectant for agriculture and horticulture. Its formulation provides greater oxygen release and a very low use concentration. Authorised for surface disinfection and boot dips.
| Product | Supplier | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Virkon™S | LANXESS | Broad-spectrum disinfectant for greenhouses, growing gutters, equipment and tools; effective against relevant plant pathogens and applied to surfaces and equipment. |
| DeterBio® | LANXESS | Alkaline cleaner for loosening and removing organic material before disinfection. |
| Hyperox™ | LANXESS | Peracetic-acid disinfectant for agriculture and horticulture. Its formulation provides greater oxygen release and a very low use concentration. Authorised for surface disinfection and boot dips. |
Frequently asked questions
01Why is disinfection between crops so important?
Pathogens left behind at crop change can infect the new crop immediately. Thorough cleaning followed by disinfection of the greenhouse, gutters and equipment interrupts this cycle and protects the crop from the outset.
02How can I limit the risk of ToBRFV and other viruses?
Viruses such as ToBRFV are extremely persistent and spread mechanically. Strict clothing, hand and tool hygiene, boot dips, access control and thorough disinfection are essential. Biosecurity BV advises on products and protocols.
03How does Hyperox™ differ from other peracetic-acid products?
Its improved formulation brings more hydrogen peroxide into equilibrium, releasing more oxygen and providing longer, stronger action at a very low use concentration. In the Netherlands, Hyperox™ is registered under CTB no. 12731 for surface disinfection and boot dips and authorised for PT2 and PT3 uses.