Disinfection of drainwater from soilless cultures by heat treatment.

Abstract

In closed systems with soilless cultures, recirculation of drainwater favours the spread of root-infecting pathogens. An installation was designed for disinfection of drainwater by heat treatments at high temperatures (more than 90 degrees C) for short periods (approx. 10 secs). The energy input was low because of efficient use of heat exchangers. Preliminary results of glasshouse experiments showed that tobacco mosaic virus and Verticillium dahliae were effectively controlled. Longer exposure times are probably required for complete elimination of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melongenae. (Abstract retrieved from CAB Abstracts by CABI’s permission)