A vital part of managing clubroot on your operation is preventing the movement of soil infected with clubroot to fields not exposed to high levels of the pathogen. To minimize soil movement, establish a disinfection routine for your farm.
Some field equipment is harder to clean than others. Large pieces or those with complex designs can take several hours to clean and disinfect thoroughly. Some will have sensitive electronics or other components that aren’t compatible with water or disinfectants. Always check your equipment manufacturer’s guidelines before proceeding.
Risk factors specific to your location should determine your routine, as well as your own personal risk tolerance.
What needs to be disinfected?
Hundreds of pounds of soil can easily become stuck on tractors and other equipment, spreading clubroot spores between fields. Tools and shoes are also prone to carrying soil. Your disinfection routine should include vehicle tires, equipment, small tools used for tasks like soil sampling and, of course, footwear.
The most effective disinfection routine includes three steps. First, remove soil by kicking or knocking off clumps and sweeping away loose soil. Next, clean any residual soil using a pressure washer. Last, apply a disinfectant mist. For best results, it’s important always to remove soil prior to disinfection.
What disinfection products are available?
•Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Bleach is the most effective disinfectant, resulting in 100 per cent of spores killed using solutions of 1.7 per cent or more. Bleach, however, is corrosive to metals and can cause damage to tires, clothing and footwear. It is also not suitable for long-term storage.
•Premise Degreaser
Premise Degreaser is an industrial-strength, highly concentrated foaming cleaner with added chlorine. In tests, it killed more than 95 per cent of resting spores. It is safe for use on all metals and concrete, and the foam clings to surfaces for long periods. Based on price, container size, convenience and effectiveness, Grow Team members recommend this product, and you can access it at your local CO-OP® Agro Centre.
•Spray Nine
This product comes ready-to-use, is used undiluted and will kill almost 100 per cent of resting spores. As active ingredients, it contains ethoxylated C9-C11 alcohols and dipropylene glycol monobutyl ether. Customers have indicated that its cost and overall lack of convenience make Spray Nine a less-desirable option.
Other effective disinfectants include Adhere NC, AES 2500, ethanol and SaniDate.
Tips for Effective Disinfection
• Use a tool dip or footbath for at least 20 minutes to disinfect tools and footwear.
• Use a hand scraper or wire brush to remove as much soil as possible prior to disinfecting.
• For sensitive equipment, compressed air may be used in place of pressure washing.
• In order to kill clubroot spores, ensure treated areas remain wet for at least 20 minutes. Apply disinfectant in the early morning or early evening to minimize evaporation (or consider products like Premise Degreaser that cling to surfaces for long periods of tine).
• Use boot covers when walking in the field.