During my visits, growers shared with me some of the problems they encounter- particularly with Agrobacterium rhizogenes (Hairy Root disease) in tomatoes. Based on both my experience and the grower feedback I’ve received, the use of hydrogen peroxide to disrupt biofilm formation is an essential strategy for Agrobacterium control. Biofilm within the irrigation system creates a sheltered environment for bacterial colonies to establish and multiply. By using hydrogen peroxide to inhibit biofilm formation, we can eradicate these conducive conditions for Agrobacterium disease. This has proved to be very effective in reducing its presence. Effective control requires ongoing treatments throughout the growing cycle, with higher doses used for crop rotations. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used on eggplant and cucumber; crops that are particularly sensitive to this phenomenon. Strawberry growers, who don’t change their irrigation system every year, also use hydrogen peroxide. A stabilized hydrogen peroxide treatment will dissolve microbial colonies and oxidize organic matter, detaching the material from surfaces within the irrigation system. This material can then be flushed out of the system via the network purge valves – Mickaël RENAUD
