Lettuce 1

Disinfection of equipment inhibits the spread of Chlamydospores of Fusarium Oxysporum

Horticulture Belgium
Fusarium lettuce wilt can be inhibited on tools and other equipment by selecting the correct disinfectant. However, it is important to pay proper attention to dosage and contact times.

A contact time of two seconds with Huwa-San TR-50 appears to be very effective if the material has been properly pre-cleaned from organic material. Stabilisers and correct storage are important when using hydrogen peroxide.

Lettuce 2

The challenge

Fusarium wilt or ‘Fol’ (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae) can be found today in a large number of lettuce greenhouses. Fusarium oxysporum
is a fungus that can survive in soil indefinitely, as well as on dead plant material when the host plant is not present. Above-ground spread of the fungus occurs through the spread of diseased plant material, plant residues, cultivation treatments and via water droplets.

Hygiene is crucial in preventing further spread. Hygiene measures (cleaning and disinfecting of all materials: boxes, knives, etc.) are also of great importance in preventing the introduction of other pathogens, and also to limit the spread of Fol within the greenhouse.

 

Our solution

Among the Fusarium spores, chlamydospores are the most difficult to eradicate. Therefore, two tests were carried out on these specific spores. In a first surface test, soil with chlamydospores of Fol physio 4 were exposed to stabilised (Huwa-San TR-50) and non-stabilised hydrogen peroxide. Because a long exposure time is not feasible in practice, a shorter exposure time of five seconds was also tested.

The treated soil was then placed onto a nutrient medium and the eradication rate was calculated. Secondly, a suspension test (no soil present) was carried out with Fol physio 4 by treating chlamydospores on a membrane filter with stabilised hydrogen peroxide (Huwa-San TR-50) for a very short time after which the disinfectant was vacuum filtrated from the membrane. Similar to test 1, the spores were plated onto a nutrient medium to determine the extent of eradication.

The results

Stabilisers are very important when using peroxide

With 4% Huwa-San TR-50, an efficiency of 100% was achieved after only 5 seconds of contact time. On the other hand, the non-stabilised peroxide was not as effective as Huwa-San TR-50. In addition, the eradication of Fol declined markedly the longer the package of unstabilised hydrogen peroxide had been open.

Removal of organic material reduces the required Huwa-San TR-50 contact time

Application of 4% Huwa-San TR-50 for only 2 seconds effectively inhibited Fol physio 4 chlamydospores in a suspension test, thereby indicating that a thorough pre-clean of organic material significantly enhances the activity of disinfectants.

  • Effective against Fusarium
  • 100% eradication after only 5 seconds
  • No residuals
  • Easy to use
Horticulture
Share

Used products

Huwa-San TR-50 is a registered biocide. Use biocides safely. Before use, read the label and product information.

Biocides are governed by stringent regulatory frameworks, the particulars of which may differ across nations. In this instance, the application adheres entirely to the regulations of the respective country but may not necessarily comply with those of others. It is advisable to consult our in-house experts for guidance on particular applications.

Horticulture
Cucumber 1

Sili-Fert P treatment at Dutch cucumber grower

A well-known cucumber grower in the Netherlands, wanted to take his cultivation practices and his end-products to the next level. A trial with Sili-Fert P was set up.