Preventing the spread of Phytophthora Cryptogea in lettuce crops

Phytophthora cryptogea is a significant threat in hydroponics. This pathogen is a member of the oomycetes family, which includes species known to parasitize a wide range of agricultural, ornamental, horticultural, and forest plants. They are widespread in soil and water throughout the world. Most of these species have a broad host range.

This soil- and waterborne pathogen can quickly degrade roots, causing them to rot and completely disappear. In hydroponic lettuce and chicory systems, the pathogen thrives in waterlogged conditions, rapidly spreading and infecting roots.

Preventing Phytophtora Cryptogea
In the spring of 2024, a trial was conducted as part of the HydroPhyt project, a VLAIO initiative focused on managing P. cryptogea in hydroponic lettuce and chicory systems. VLAIO is the Flemish agency that supports businesses and innovation through funding, advice, and guidance. The primary goal of the project is to enhance the integrated control of P. cryptogea, while improving water quality through sustainable practices. The trial, conducted on the Emeldia lettuce variety, explored preventative water treatments using advanced technologies to suppress the spread and breeding ground (biofilm) of the pathogen.

In one of the set-ups, Huwa-San TR-50 was combined with an ultrafiltration system. This trial lasted for 6 weeks. Huwa-San TR-50 was injected at approximately 15 ppm hydrogen peroxide into the clean drain to further suppress pathogens. The ultrafiltration system (Kathari) filtered water at 20 nanometres, allowing nutrients to pass through while removing harmful pathogens.

Huwa-San TR-50, in combination with the ultrafiltration system, delivered excellent results in this trial. The test results identified Huwa-San as an effective water treatment solution, thereby managing P. cryptogea. The product demonstrated superior efficacy, significantly improving root health, root mass, and overall head weight of the lettuce, outperforming the competitor treatments. For the treatment with Huwa-San in combination with the Kathari ultrafiltration the rootscore was > 5, whereas the score was < 5 for competitors A and B (see table). The pictures also show a better development of the root system with the treatment with Huwa-San and Kathari ultrafiltration than competitors A and B.

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Furthermore, Huwa-San degrades into oxygen and water post-disinfection, leaving no harmful residuals and providing oxygen-rich water. Huwa-San enhanced the water quality, creating an environment less hospitable to P. cryptogea. This highlights Huwa-San's efficacy and ability to optimize lettuce cultivation.