Root Rot Treatment
This page covers three options to tackle the problem of Root Rot. The two preventative measures of cleanliness and hygiene and system sterilisation are discussed as well as treatment of Root Rot outbreaks using our product, Rebound.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Prevention is certainly better than cure. Every effort should be directed toward preventing the disease before it begins. Prevention begins with a policy of total cleanliness. Hygiene is a primal requirement for overall disease control. Following is a list of tips that should be implemented.
The entire growing area should be kept clean at all times.
Dead leaves should always be removed from the plant and destroyed.
Keep all soils and composts out of the grow-room or greenhouse.
Do not convert plants from soil into hydroponic systems.
Do not enter the growing area with outdoor footwear on.
Do not bring any plant material in from outside if you can avoid it.
Sterilise all pots, gullies, trays and tanks between crops.
Nutrient tanks should be kept scrupulously clean.
Do not allow soil or plant material to fall into tanks at any time.
Keep tanks covered except for airflow requirements.
Disinfect all surfaces, tools and equipment that will contact the plants or the nutrient solution.
System Sterilisation
Along with good hygiene practice, a practical method to keep Root Rot under control in most circumstances is to add a sterilising agent every week to your nutrient solution. This has the capacity to eliminate all pathogenic organisms from the nutrient tank. This is a preventative method and should eliminate Root Rot before it can take hold. However, you must still be vigilant as your plants may still get Root Rot if a large outbreak is introduced to your system. This will be too much for your sterilising agent to handle.
Calcium Hypochlorite can be used to sterilise systems and is a very affective sterilant. Calcium Hypochlorite however does not easily break down and a residual remains in the system that can be very damaging to new plants.
There are now new products on the market that are designed specifically to sterilise plant and equipment in horticultural situations. These products destroy organisms without leaving any dangerous residues. To find these products, consult your nearest hydroponics shop.
Treating Root Rot Outbreaks
If you have an outbreak of Pythium / Root Rot then you need introduce a chemical into your system to kill the Pythium before it kills your plants. One such chemical is our product Rebound.
Rebound kills Pythium and other pathogens in your hydroponic system. When symptoms occur, add 1 mL of Rebound per litre of water in your reservoir, and continue weekly until the symptoms clear up.
Rebound can also be used to maintain your system by adding 1 mL per litre of water into your reservoir every week.
You will need to flush your tank at least a week before harvest and not use Rebound in this period.
Rebound can also be used in run to waste systems as well as recirculating systems.
If you would like to purchase Rebound then please contact us to find your nearest hydroponics shop stocking our product. For more information see our Rebound page for product information.