The Commercial Operators Answer to Controlling Plant Disease

As the commercial horticulture industry evolves and changes to meet the demands of its consumers and marketplace, it is important to note that commercial indoor grow facilities have very few options available to them for the control of disease.

These types of vegetable, flower, and hemp facilities must change to meet industry standards and also meet local, state, and federal regulations. Sanitation is key in the full operation of a commercial greenhouse no matter the type of crop grown and the style at which crops are produced. Depending on the crop, such as orchid production or hemp production, sanitation is an absolute must in the control of pathogens and possible contamination of growing material. Having a set plan and procedures in place to control disease in a commercial grow operation is very important as it reduces the occurrences of pathogens and increases the ability to efficiently control the outbreaks. Sanitation is a must in an operation with plants, as some pathogens can be very discreet and cause havoc before symptoms or signs develop.

Similar to having an IPM plan in place for the control of insects and pests, the operator should have a plan in place for disease and pathogens. Having proper sanitation in a greenhouse greatly reduces the occurrence of pests and disease as well as reduces the need for pesticides and fungicides. Sanitation practices should be conducted daily, and during every stage of crop production from start to finish. The commercial horticulture industry is becoming more aware of overall environmental impacts and are making the switch to more sustainable practices and organic means of growing plants. In order to lessen their impacts, the control of disease and pests can be a challenge with limited resources.  In the control of the commercial facilities top three most wanted pathogens Peroxyacetic Acid (PAA) is the best option. PAA is used to control molds, botrytis, and powdery mildew. With PAA being the only available tool for the control of these pathogens, Zero-tol, Sanidate, and Oxydate are all excellent PAA's that are created through Biosafe Systems that are used heavily within the industry. These are approved for commercial facilities and meet the regulations on all levels. However, PAA’s are very corrosive and can be detrimental to equipment if it is not upgraded or set for the use of PAA’s. It should be noted that in order to effectively apply PAA's some equipment needs to be upgraded to meet standards. Not only are these upgrades essential for these standards it is also important for the grower to have equipment that can withstand the heavy corrosion of an oxidizer. Using plastics or metals can cause corrosion and break down of equipment parts. Using stainless steel allows for the liquids to flow without damaging the equipment over time. Some equipment that may need upgraded to meet these standards include Auto foggers to stainless steel, MSO sprayer guns, and the Hydra Sprayers to the CRF version. Dramm products offer the pulse fog units, TurbULV's, and BP-4 units all of which are designed for heavy-duty corrosion resistance. Older models of these may need upgraded to withstand the oxidizers (predating 2014). A greenhouse operator or commercial grower should know their equipment and what the capabilities are of the equipment for proper use and maintenance. Consultations with the manufacturer should be made in the event advice is needed in the upkeep, operation, and general upgrade of the equipment. As always, consult with the manufacturer for proper equipment supplies including during the sale. This communication is essential to guarantee the right equipment is received the job at hand. Dramm and other manufacturers are not responsible in the case of improperly ordered equipment that is the wrong thing for the job. So communication of what is needed through the manufacturer during the sale is essential in ensuring the correct tools are ordered. Making the mistake of ordering the wrong equipment slows down the operation which costs time and money setting crop schedules behind.

About MORR Inc.-

MORR Inc. is a wholesale commercial agriculture distributor for planting, growing, and farming located in Los Angeles, CA. MORR Inc. supplies top of the line wholesale commercial hydroponic systems, commercial grow systems, a wide selection of grow lights and automated control systems, nutrient rich soils and growing media, a large selection of specialized advanced plant nutrients for different plant life cycles, dosing and drip irrigation systems, high tech environmental meters and automated systems, fans, filters, plant pesticides, plant fungicides, automated crop management systems, general commercial grow facility supplies and services, plus much more! https://MORR.com