Understanding Disease Susceptibility in Greenhouse, Poly House, and Poly Tunnel Crops

Crops grown inside greenhouses, poly houses, and poly tunnels, especially in tropical and dry climates, often face increased susceptibility to pathogenic diseases, including bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases. The unique environmental and management factors of these controlled environments play a significant role. Here's a detailed look at why these conditions heighten disease risks:

Bacterial Diseases:

High humidity and moisture:

• Enclosed environments maintain higher humidity levels, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth and spread.

• Water droplets from overhead irrigation or condensation provide a medium for bacteria to thrive and move between plants.

Limited air circulation:

• Poor airflow prevents the drying of plant surfaces, allowing moisture to linger, which can harbour bacteria.

Plant density:

• High planting density facilitates close contact between plants, making it easier for bacterial pathogens to spread.

Human activity:

• Frequent human interaction in confined spaces can spread bacteria through contaminated tools, clothing, and hands.

Continuous cultivation:

• Lack of fallow periods can lead to the accumulation of bacterial pathogens in the soil and on plant debris.

Fungal Diseases:

High humidity and moisture:

• Fungal spores germinate and grow rapidly in humid environments. Constant moisture on leaves and stems due to high humidity promotes fungal infections.

Condensation:

• Condensation on the inner surfaces of greenhouses and poly tunnels can drip onto plants, providing a continuous source of moisture that supports fungal growth.

Temperature fluctuations:

• Fluctuating temperatures can stress plants, making them more susceptible to fungal infections.

Limited air circulation:

• Poor ventilation leads to stagnant air, preventing the evaporation of moisture from plant surfaces, creating an environment conducive to fungal diseases.

Overhead irrigation:

• Overhead watering can increase leaf wetness and humidity, promoting the growth and spread of fungal pathogens.

Viral Diseases:

Vector Activity:

• Greenhouses and poly tunnels can inadvertently provide a protected environment for insect vectors such as aphids, whiteflies, and thrips, which transmit viral diseases.

High Plant Density:

• Dense planting increases the likelihood of vector transmission of viruses, as insects move easily from plant to plant.

Continuous Cultivation:

• Continuous cropping without breaks can lead to the build-up of viral pathogens and their vectors.

Human Activity:

• Workers moving between plants can mechanically transmit viruses through tools and hands if proper sanitation practices are not followed.

Lack of Natural Predators:

• Enclosed environments may lack natural predators that help control vector populations, leading to higher incidences of viral diseases.

Mitigation Strategies:

• BraveHawk Monza (GH): An AI-enabled insect pest control system for the management of disease vectors.

• PathoShield GreenStar: A THF-EMR system for preventive and curative management of pathogenic diseases in plants.

• SeedGuard AG: For management of seed-born fungal, bacterial, and viral diseases.

• PathoEraser AG: For management of soil-borne/growing media-borne diseases and nematodes.

• AquaShield AG: For managing water borne diseases (Fungal, Bacterial, Viral) and Nematodes

• Implement crop rotation and strict sanitation practices.

• Adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices and deploy AI-GENIX’s comprehensive crop protection system to safeguard crops from pathogenic diseases.

• Maintain rigorous hygiene standards.

By understanding these factors and implementing appropriate strategies, we can significantly reduce the risk of diseases and ensure healthier crops in controlled environments.

To learn more about the complete crop protection suit for crops grown inside greenhouses, poly houses, and poly tunnels, write an email to info@ai-genix.com and schedule web meeting.