A growing number of greenhouses are built as large monoculture roduction

facilities in order to be competitive and cost effective. The risk of diseases which

are rapidly spreading through these

greenhouses is very imminent and a

continuous awareness and a vigilant

hygienic strategy is therefore very

important. Many chemicals are used

to control the level of microbiological

contamination in greenhouses, and

the amounts of biocides used is still

increasing.

Bacteria, fungi and viruses are known plant pathogens

causing different diseases. Each micro-organism has its own susceptibility to a

specific biocide and other important parameters that

determine the efficacy are the concentration, contact

time, temperature, and water quality. In addition,

chemical biocides may leave harmful residues on plants,

equipment and in the environment. Worldwide there

is a rising awareness of food safety, human health and

environmental consequences of biocidal use. This

paper describes the safe and effective disinfection of

greenhouses without residues with Intra Hydropure.

Hydrogen peroxide, the natural biocide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural biocide that mechanically

destroys a wide range of pathogens and decomposes

after reaction in water and oxygen. In 1977 the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized

hydrogen peroxide as the first antimicrobia disinfectant,

since then it is registered for the use on ornamental

plants and in fruits and vegetables. It is also registered

for the use on stored food. The strong oxidizing capacity

of hydrogen peroxide has the negative consequence that

it is inherently unstable and decomposes too fast.

Intra Hydropure

In the biocidal product Intra Hydropure, hydrogen

peroxide is used as an active ingredient and it is

stabilized with silver chelate. The combination of silver

chelate and hydrogen peroxide is also excellent to

disrupt the functions of enzymes in micro-organisms.

The complete micro-organism, including the DNA,

is destroyed due to oxidation when in contact with

hydrogen peroxide. Today, Intra Hydropure is used

extensively in several of applications in horticulture

during different stages of production:

• Disinfection of irrigation systems.

• Disinfection of hydroponic nutrient solution.

• Sanitizing compost and soil.

• Disinfection of seeds and killing seed borne pathogens.

• The production facility, greenhouses, nurseries,

surfaces, tools, equipment, utensils, trays, etc.

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