PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds

PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds
Table 59. Disinfectants. some examples
The term ‘disinfectant’ commonly refers to chemicals used to surface-sterilize inanimate objects, some are
used to surface-sterilize plant surfaces. The term ‘disinfection’ is used to describe using a chemical or other
agent to kill or inactivate disease-producing microorganisms inside seeds or other plant parts.
There is no general disinfectant which will eradicate all disease organisms. So that identification of the
disease problem is essential, followed by careful selection of a disinfectant/fungicide/bactericide that will be
effective. Permits may be required. Heat is still one of the most effective disinfectants.
Certain situations may specifiy particular disinfectants and rates, eg viruses, quarantine (pages 340, 284).
Seek advice for your particular situation.
Some disinfectants are not registered as pesticides but are included here for convenience.
Some disinfectants may damage plants and some may contaminate the environment.
Prior to treating tools, benches and other items, remove all dirt or soil.
Sodium hypochlorite is the most common form of chlorine used in horticulture and is often used as a disinfectant. Its
effectiveness is influenced by concentration, exposure time, light and temperature, etc.
Common treatments for contaminated water include chlorination or a combination of chlorination and
filtration. Chlorination is hazardous, improper use of chemicals and higher than recommended concentrations
may corrode the irrigation system, damage soil and plants.
Some disinfectants are hazardous to the operator, eg they may cause skin and bronchial irritation. Consult the
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), available standards, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).
CHEMICAL TYPE
See page 340
for more
disinfectants
Alcohols
Halogens
Phenols &
substituted
phenols
Quaternary
ammonium
compounds
(quats)
Others
THE PRODUCT
Trade name
Active constituent
ETHANOL,
METHYLATED SPIRITS
ethyl alcohol
BLEACH
sodium hypochlorite
calcium hypochlorite
(use calcium hypochlorite for
disinfecting plant material)
PYTHOFF
chlorine compounds
BIOGRAM
ethanol
o-Phenylphenol
Clorofene
KENDOCIDE
dichlorophen
VARIOUS
quaternary ammonium
compound
Solution of 70% in
cold water, at this
concentration it
evaporates less
quickly and is less
flammable
Recommended
concentration and
dip time must be
adhered to, can
damage clothing,
degrades rapidly
in light
Nonsystemic
Recommended
dip times must
be adhered to
VARIOUS,
Fast acting, with
PHYTOCLEAN CANE a moderately
KNIFE STERILIZER long duration of
benzalkonium chloride action.
Inactivated by
140 products registered, organic matter
eg Zero Moss & Algae Gun
SOME USES
Read label, obtain advice from company
CROPS, PLANTS, SITES
TREATED
Secateurs, personal use
CAUTION
Australia Standard
Refer AS 2508 3.017
Cuttings, floors, benches,
containers.
Do not contaminate food,
inactivated by organic
matter
Hydroponic nutrient
conditioner
Container dip, floors,
benches, floor pad
entrance to glass-houses,
tools, tyres, machinery,
items in contact with soil
Floors & benches in green
houses, pots, paths,
brickwork; lawns, turf.
Tools, hands, foot baths,
seed trays, cuttings,
growing media, etc
Containers, used for blue
metal under containers.
May damage some plants
Footwear, tools, tyres,
machinery washdown,
vehicles and other items in
contact with soil, vehicle,
glasshouses, work areas,
walls, pots, tools, cane
knives, packing sheds.
Paths, roofs, hard
surfaces, greens & lawns
DISEASES, PESTS, WEEDS
CONTROLLED
Disinfectant
ethanol plus flaming
does not adequately
inactivate viruses
Disinfectant
household, dairy, food
processing areas,
containers, plant
material
Disinfectant
used from seed to harvest
Disinfectant
broad spectrum
disinfectant, Botrytis,
Fusarium, Phytophthora,
Pythium
Algae, mosses,
liverworts
Disinfectant
broad spectrum
bactericide, algacide
and fungicide especially
Phytophthora, Pythium,
Sclerotium
Disinfectant
Only some bacteria,
viruses, protozoa;
fungi (Phytophthora)
Algae, mosses,
lichens, liverworts
FLORALIFE
Extend the life of cut Disinfectant
Food sugar
flowers
bacteria & fungi
Biocide - to inhibit growth
of bacteria & fungi
Acidifier to lower pH
DETTOL
General antiseptic
chloroxylenol
(phenol or cresol compd)
MICROKILL
Nonsystemic Seedlings, plants Disinfectant
citrus pulp +
herbs to buffer and
stabilize shelf life
COOLACIDE
Recirculating waters, Disinfectant
poly(oxyethylene
cooling towers etc. algae, bacteria and fungi
(dimethyliminio) ethylene
Footwear, tools, tyres,
(dimethylyliminio) ethylene
machinery and other items
dichloride)
in contact with soil
-
-
)
Fungal diseases - Integrated disease management 343