Disinfesting
Tools, Equipment, Pots, and Benches
Prewash tools, benches, and equipment to remove soil
and plant debris because disinfestants do not penetrate these well.
Then disinfest as noted below. Rest clean tools in a bucket of disinfestant
or on clean newspaper or plastic sheeting or in an empty, clean
container. Or, hang them up so that they do not become contaminated
with soil or plant debris. Do not walk on greenhouse potting soil,
benches, or on equipment that must be kept free of soilborne plant
pathogens unless your shoes have been dipped in disinfestant or
are wrapped in clean plastic. Pots, flats, or other containers that
are used year after year can be disinfested along with potting soil
by placing them under the cover used to seal in the fumigant if
they are of a material compatible with the fumigant (for example,
steam for wood, clay; methyl bromide for plastic, wood, clay). Containers
can be submerged in a liquid disinfectant for 10 minutes and then
allowed to air-dry.
When using pruning tools, disinfestant can be carried
in a squeeze, spray, or mist bottle. Thoroughly wet the cutting
surfaces with the disinfestant and allow the tool to drain and air-dry.
If sap or resin builds up on the tool, scrub this off with a rag
that is kept in the disinfestant. Then dip, pour, or spray more
disinfestant onto the tool. Let it drain and air-dry or let it soak
in the disinfestant for 10 minutes. When pruning specifically to
remove diseased plant parts, it is best to alternately use two tools
so that one can soak in disinfestant while the second is in use.
Target Pests: W = weeds; I = insects; N = nematodes;
B = bacteria; F = fungi
| Material |
Application |
Target Pests |
| Steam or dry heat |
Heat materials to 180-200°F for 30 min. under
a cover to retain the heat. |
W/I/N/B/F |
| 70% alcohol (grain, rubbing, wood) |
Dip or swab object and let dry. |
N/B/F |
| Hydrogen dioxide (ZeroTol*) |
2.5 oz/gal water. Dip, spray, or brush on. Let
drain. |
B/F |
| Sodium hypochlorite (Clorox*) |
1 gal/9 gal water. Dip, spray or brush on and
keep the material wet for 10 minutes. Let drain and rinse metal
objects. |
N/B/F |
| Ammonium (GreenShield*, Triathlon*) |
Dip, spray, or brush on and keep the material
wet for 10 minutes. |
N/B/F |
*Trade name
|
