Features Crop Protection Crop clean out: Tips and tricks – Greenhouse Canada

As many greenhouse vegetable crops start to wind down, it is critical to conduct a thorough clean out between crops. Not only can this reduce carryover of arthropod pests and plant pathogens, it also improves the success of integrated pest management (IPM) programs in the next crop.

Here are three critical steps to a thorough cleaning:

1. Remove organic matter (OM): Why?Because OM protects pests and can neutralize/inactivate disinfectants.

2. Wash with detergent, rinse, dry: Why?Because washing/scrubbing with detergent first can eliminate more OM and begin to break down pathogens.

3. Disinfect, rinse, dry: Why?Because this final step can catch what was missed in steps 1 and 2.

Tips to keep in mind during clean out:

Keep this checklist handy to make sure youve covered all your clean out tasks.

Crop disposal

Treat crop before removal to kill active pests

Remove and properly dispose of:

Remove remaining plant residues; sweep and vacuum focusing on gaps in floor covering, walkways, corners, ledges, etc.

Remove drippers from media; keep lines slightly charged to maintain moisture

Disconnect pH and EC sensors

Remove filters

Flush lines:

Clean and disinfect:

Replace emitters and other parts when necessary

Apply disinfectant with a power washer or specialised equipment on low pressure. Image credit: OMAFRA

Be sure to remove remaining plant residues by sweeping or vacuuming, focusing on gaps in floor coverings, walkways, corners, ledges and other hard-to-reach areas. Image credit: OMAFRA

When washing and disinfecting different parts of the greenhouse, be sure to let soak (wet) for a minimum of 15 minutes up to 60 minutes. Though longer contact time is generally more effective, be mindful of corrosiveness of disinfectants. Rinse well with water and let dry completely between steps. Do not forget door handles, keyboards and other surfaces touched by employees.

Wash and disinfect structure

Wash and disinfect all horizontal surfaces, including:

Wash and disinfect all tools and equipment, including:

Wash and disinfect other common areas, including:

Gone through the checklist above? Now you are ready for planting!

Disclaimer: Always check federal, provincial and municipal regulations when choosing pesticides and disinfectants. It is critical to store, handle, apply and dispose in a proper manner to avoid or eliminate negative impacts on personal health and safety and the environment. Always check safety data sheets (SDS) recommendations before using any product. Check warning labels for required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Cara McCreary, MSc., is the greenhouse vegetable IPM specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. She can be reached at cara.mccreary@ontario.ca .

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Features Crop Protection Crop clean out: Tips and tricks - Greenhouse Canada