One of the biggest challenges in modern greenhouse cultivation is managing viruses. The high productivity of new crop varieties makes plants more vulnerable to diseases. Alessandro Montanarella, consultant at Cultilene, explains how growers can protect their crops with strict hygiene measures.

Why is hygiene so important?

Viruses spread rapidly through people, tools, water, and even food. For instance, contaminated footwear can carry pathogens directly into the greenhouse, while unwashed hands after handling infected materials can facilitate virus transfer onto plants. Additionally, tools and irrigation systems can act as carriers for diseases if not properly cleaned. 

Even if these oversights seem small, they can lead to significant consequences. Many growers have already faced the consequences of viruses such as ToBRFV (Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus) leading to reduced crop yield and economic losses. 

Core principles of greenhouse hygiene

To minimize the risk of virus transmission, it is crucial to follow strict hygiene protocols within the greenhouse. Here are some practical measures you can take to protect your crops:

• Limit access: only allow employees and essential visitors into the greenhouse.
• Specific clothing requirements: use greenhouse-specific clothing and footwear. Ensure employees leave their personal clothing outside the greenhouse.
• Hand hygiene: regular handwashing and disinfection, specially after contact with potential contamination sources, is essential.
• Ban food in the greenhouse: even a slice of tomato in a sandwich can be a source of viruses.
• Cleaning procedures: disinfect surfaces regularly, for example by using products like hydrogen peroxide.

While most growers already have established strict protocols, it’s very easy to break a rule unintentionally. For example, while it seems harmless, things like visiting supermarkets and re-entering the greenhouse without precautions significantly increase the risk of contamination. Adhering to hygiene protocols is a collective responsibility that requires consistent effort from everyone involved.

Water: a hidden risk

Besides human interaction with plants, there is another risk for the spreading of diseases: water. Water is a significant carrier of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Regular analysis and treatment are essential to mitigate this risk. By monitoring water quality regularly to detect the presence of living organisms, you can take appropriate action in time to prevent contamination. 

Additionally, controlling the water temperature plays a crucial role in preventing diseases. The advice is to keep the water temperature below 28°C. Not only do these lower temperatures help to optimize oxygen uptake, the also reduce the likelihood of conditions that promote the spread of pathogens.

Tips for a virus-free greenhouse

Maintaining a virus-free greenhouse sometimes requires creative and practical measures that go beyond the basics. One simple tip is to assign specific colours to clothing for each day of the week. This approach not only helps track compliance, but also creates a visual system for identifying potential lapses in hygiene practices. 

Additionally, consider implementing a system for disinfecting personal items such as phones or tools before entering the greenhouse. This is particularly useful for preventing the accidental introduction of viruses. 

Finally, be mindful of potential contamination from tobacco products, as viruses such as TMV (Tobacco Mosaic Virus) can be transmitted via hands or clothing that have come into contact with tobacco. As a precaution, smoking or handling tobacco products should be strictly prohibited within greenhouse environments. 

Prevent major losses

While hygiene measures cannot completely eliminate risks, the fear of contamination is valid and shared by many growers. Viruses can spread quickly and cause significant losses. However, by following strict hygiene protocols, you can minimize the chances of an outbreak. 

The information provided by Saint-Gobain Cultilene has been compiled with great care and is intended solely as a guideline for the user. Saint-Gobain Cultilene therefore cannot guarantee any errors and no rights may be derived from the information or advice provided. The user himself is responsible for checking the accuracy and suitability of the information and advice for application. No commercial use may be made of the information and advice provided by Saint-Gobain Cultilene, in whole or in part, without the written consent of Saint-Gobain Cultilene.