Greenhouse Sanitation. Rachael Cheverie M.Sc, P.Ag, CCA

Transcription

1 Greenhouse Sanitation Rachael Cheverie M.Sc, P.Ag, CCA

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3 Greenhouse IPM What is IPM? Integrated Pest Management The best defense is a good offence Systems approach (healthy soil, healthy plant) Managing the Environment Start Clean/Stay Clean Principle

4 General principles Greenhouses are NOT storage areas Remove garbage and culled plants Store only clean plug and transplant trays Chemicals/fertilizers should be kept in a designated area Remove weeds inside and outside the greenhouse perimeter Resolve any areas where standing water may remain Restrict access to production areas Vertebrate pest control plan

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6 Step 1: Clean then Sanitize Remove weeds, old plants, media etc Remove loose dirt/debris from benches/floor etc (sweep, shop vac) Use a detergent based cleaner to remove all surface dirt/pressure washer (ie. Strip-It acid based cleaner) Top down approach: Ceiling to Floor Rinse soap cleaners well as they may react with certain disinfectants Run cleaning solution through irrigation lines

7 Step 2: Disinfect While cleaners remove organic matter, biofilms etc disinfectants can remove pathogens ie. Pythium, rhizoctonia, algae Types of Disinfectants Quaternary ammonium chloride salts (KleenGrow) kills bacteria, fungi, algae and viruses Hydrogen peroxide, Peroxyacetic Acid (ZeroTol, Sanidate, Oxidate) bacteria, fungi, algae Chlorine bleach (not as stable as other options) best option for wood

8 Greenhouse infrastructure Wire benches vs wood Landscape fabric or concrete under benches vs dirt or gravel Disposable vs reusable containers

9 Before Planting Disinfect: Any reusable plug trays/pots Tools and equipment Irrigation lines Walls, bench surfaces and floors

10 Start Clean Know your cutting/seed supplier examine everything before you put it into production Sanitize equipment regularly Hand wash stations, footbaths in place etc.. Keep propagation areas neat and clean Remove any cull piles of old plant material from inside the greenhouse and far away from any intake fans outside the greenhouse

11 During the season Remove all garbage/culled plants from inside production areas Have an area where you can isolate plants that suspect may have a pest problem Regularly inspect plants so problems can be detected early Keep records of all production activities

12 During the Season Ensure all vented areas of the greenhouse are screened to exclude pests Remove weeds around the perimeter of the building as they may attract/harbour pests that could get inside the building Monitor environmental conditions

13 During the season Hang up all hoses so they avoid soil, water and plant debris that may be on the floor Sweep the greenhouse floor frequently to get rid of anything that falls from the bench If a plant or tray falls onto the floor Discard it! There is no 3 Second Rule in the greenhouse! When possible grow on benches or raised surfaces instead of the greenhouse floor

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15 Managing Algae Algae can grow anywhere there is organic matter, water and fertilizer available in the greenhouse Food source for fungus gnats/shore flies Slip hazard on walkways Make sure all organic matter, water, fertilizer spills are cleaned up quickly Do not overwater plants, let the surface dry out between waterings Preventing Algae growth is key!

16 CFIA Biosecurity Project

17 CFIA & stakeholders National Voluntary Farm-Level Biosecurity Standard for the Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Sectors What is Biosecurity?? Series of management practices designed to prevent, minimize and manage the introduction, spread, and release of plant pests.

18 Elements of a Biosecurity Plan The risks posed by pests that threaten plants are identified and evaluated on an on-going basis. A monitoring program and information gathering framework is developed and implemented that provides information to adjust the biosecurity plan. 4. Monitor 1. Assess 2. Plan A written plan forms the basis of the biosecurity training program, allows for regular review, updates, and provides a framework for continuous improvement. 3. Implement Put the plan into action.

19 Biosecurity Standard - 3 Sections Plant Health Management Farm Operational Management Education, Training, and Communication

20 Plant Health Management Crop management practices (nutrition, irrigation, climate control, etc...) Management of Pest Vectors Pest monitoring IPM program for common pests and response plan for introduced pests (quarantine)

21 Farm Operational Management Location and Layout evaluate new sites and protect existing or neighboring sites Biosecurity Zones Controlled access and Restricted Access where are the areas of most concern recommend one way flow of traffic from clean areas to areas of higher potential risk Movement of people, vehicles, equipment train employees on biosecurity, visitor protocols in place Production Inputs potential source of pests Production Outputs finished product should leave free of pests Production waste management Maintenance of Facilities and Property Equipment in good repair, regular cleaning and disinfecting

22 Education, Training and Communication A well developed, communicated and implemented training program will provide visitors, service providers and employees with an understanding of the importance of proactive biosecurity Signage Training Checklists

23 Biosecurity Self Evaluation Checklist Check list to evaluate where you are at with your biosecurity practices.

24 Nursery Farm Producer Guides Greenhouse Veg Ornamental Working on commodity specific interactive checklists to go with each producer guide that will list out the steps that you need to address.

25 Thank You!