It's that time of year again – time for crop rotation in your greenhouse. Are you prepared for it?

Ensuring the cleanliness and disinfection of your greenhouse is of utmost importance. Achieving 100% cleanliness is crucial because anything less, like 99%, can leave dormant pathogens that might resurface and infect your next crop.

Here are the top 5 key considerations for a proper crop rotation:

1. Effective Cleaning Before Disinfection

Remember, disinfection without thorough cleaning makes no sense. Disinfectants typically work on the surfaces they touch and may not penetrate deeper layers. This means that while the surface may appear disinfected, pathogens may still lurk beneath the pollution. For gutter cleaning, avoid using just water; consider using a product like Intra Foamcleaner to remove contaminants.

2. Select the Right Disinfectant

Identify the specific pathogen you're dealing with and choose a product with the appropriate properties. If your goal is to eliminate viruses, ensure you select a product designed for that purpose, with the right dosage and contact time. For a versatile disinfectant effective against various pathogens, consider our Intra Multi-Des GA, which offers a low dosage and fast contact time.

3. Search for Hidden Pathogens

Keep in mind that bacteria, fungi, and viruses are minuscule. They can hide in seemingly flat surfaces. Even a coated gutter may have hidden spots when viewed under a microscope. Using a product with a good wetting agent is essential to reach these hidden areas.

4. Examine Your Water System

Your water system serves as a highway for infections. Empty greenhouse periods are ideal for inspecting your water system. Check for any biofilm buildup in storage tanks, as clean water addition doesn't guarantee cleanliness. Our Intra Hydropure offers a safe way to clean your system without leaving residues, ensuring a clean system throughout the season.

5. Maintain Cleanliness

Once your greenhouse is clean, maintaining that cleanliness is the real challenge. Establish a robust hygiene protocol for the production phase and ensure that your staff is well-informed and actively engaged in maintaining hygiene standards.

If you need assistance with your protocols or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. Start by downloading our Greenhouse Cleaning Protocol to get a better understanding of our recommendations. Your greenhouse's success depends on a clean and pathogen-free environment, and we're here to help you achieve this goal.