"Huwa-San is a piece of the puzzle, but the whole puzzle needs to be put together"

In collaboration with various scientific institutions and testing grounds, Roam Technology carried out tests to see whether water disinfection and, in a broader sense, general hygiene, can be a solution in the fight against the Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus (ToBRFV), the virus that has been giving the global tomato cultivation sleepless nights for a long time now. Product manager Caroline Clijsters tells more about the results that led to the approval of Huwa-San TR-50 as an emergency crop protection product in Belgium in the fight against ToBRFV.

Focused research
Roam Technology is a producer of silver-stabilized hydrogen peroxide, a known biocide used to disinfect irrigation water. The effects of different concentrations and different exposure times on a water sample contaminated with ToBRFV, as well as on surfaces contaminated with ToBRFV, were investigated. A qPCR test examined the presence or absence of the entire virus, as well as the presence of active virus particles. This is possible thanks to a recently developed laboratory test, which also provides a more correct picture.

Caroline explains that disinfection of water with 1% Huwa-San TR-50 and a reaction time of 14 hours results in the absence of ToBRFV. “Both the test that looks for active material and the qPCR test could no longer detect ToBRFV. Disinfecting the irrigation system during crop rotation with Huwa-San TR-50 is, therefore, one of the sought-after pieces of the puzzle in the fight against ToBRFV.”

Stabilized hydrogen peroxide also has applications during cultivation. Tests show that a solution with 200 ppm Huwa-San TR-50 and an application time of 12 hours significantly reduces the presence of ToBRFV. Caroline explains that this is a concentration that is often applied temporarily during cultivation, especially when there is a high microbial load. “This makes it an effective way to reduce further spread.”

Hygiene: best practices
“Huwa-San is a piece of the puzzle, but the whole puzzle needs to be put together,” says Caroline. “Just focusing on your water system will not provide a complete solution. ToBRFV is introduced very easily, and the approach and prevention require a complete biosecurity plan. By obtaining this emergency authorization, we can now fully respond to one of the most crucial moments for a grower, the crop rotation, which must ensure a clean start.”

This also emphasizes the importance of thorough initial cleaning and subsequent disinfection. “Organic waste in the greenhouse is an important source of re-contamination,” says Caroline. “In this story, our foam cleaner Roam Eco Clean also appeared to limit the spread of ToBRFV due to its deep cleaning effect and the fact that all possible sources of contamination, such as plant sap and plant remains, are removed.”

There is no clear solution regarding the approach and prevention of ToBRFV, that much is clear now. Prevention is very important, such as checking and cleaning all materials, people, goods, etc., that enter the greenhouse. Knowledge and control are crucial, as is hygiene. The correct products must be used.

“Throughout the season, we see that standard dosing of Huwa-San TR-50 prevents the build-up of biofilm in the drain, which can significantly reduce the breeding ground for pathogens. Subsequently, with an increased dosage of Huwa-San application during cultivation, a ToBRFV outbreak can be reduced, and further spread can be reduced. Finally, during the crop rotation, the foam product and the 1% Huwa-San TR-50 application provide a nice cleaning-disinfection solution. Huwa-San can also be used to disinfect small materials or surfaces.”

* The emergency authorization can be consulted at www.fytoweb.be