Soil Pasteurization, Fumigation, and Solarization
Greenhouse Sanitation
One of the most common mechanisms for pathogens to spread is via contamination of equipment, tools, and humans. Fungi, bacteria, and some viruses are easily transmitted to the surfaces of equipment (e.g., plant sap, debris). Ensuring clean tools and equipment will help reduce the spread and incidence of plant pathogens. The clothing and bodies of workers and visitors, as well as any vehicles they bring onto the property, are also potential sources of pathogens and pests.
Tools and Equipment
Greenhouses and nurseries need a wide variety of tools for land preparation, pruning, digging, and propagating. Pruning and digging tools are known carriers for spreading pathogens, since they regularly come into contact with soil and infected plant material. Cleaning tools and equipment after each use is an essential disease-management practice for greenhouses and nurseries. Sanitation begins with exclusion.
Exclusion
Preventing the entry of pathogens into the greenhouse is a highly effective strategy for disease control. If possible, purchase planting media that has been pasteurized to kill plant pathogens and pests. All media should be stored in original bags until use or in covered containers to prevent contamination by plant pathogens.
Click on the following topics for more information on greenhouse soil pasteurization, fumigation, and solariazation.
