Disinfecting Practices for Disease Management in Dahlias

Let me share a story with you. A little over 3 years ago I became super frustrated with the lack of consistent information regarding a seemingly simple task on our farm...

While all types of farms have implemented disinfecting protocols to reduce the transmission of all kinds of disease for decades, the common cannon of pertinent online information was too variable, lacked cited sources and other expected qualifiers, or overlooked many practical considerations for real world implementation. While I (naively) envisioned a few nights of reading could yield a solid actionable disinfecting plan, every question I had turned out to be not so simple and *SPOILER ALERT* it was a much longer journey!

I wanted to know which disinfectants worked best on plant viruses. Why did some disinfectants work in some environments, but not in others? What about research on the efficacy of disinfectants on dahlia related viruses? Moreover, were there any practical trials that took into account real farm practices that may impact the efficacy of a disinfectant or procedure? What about contact times needed on working blades? Not to mention, did any studies consider plant impact or worker safety?

Have you had similar questions?

Above all, I was looking for available data to guide an evidence-based management plan that was practical, economical, easily sourced, and safe for workers and plants. Let's face it - disinfecting in the field is daunting... and if anything is harder than it needs to be the chances of continued implementation and success go way down. Not feeling confident the extra work has purpose or will be effective is the first stumbling block to implementing any disease management plan.

Confidence is at your fingertips!

Now here's the good news - I've combed through the available research to get answers to as many questions as possible - and identify areas needing further research too - and I want to share it with you. The information detailed in this FREE RESOURCE helped me confidently choose the right approach for our operation and it can help you too. I've climbed the mountains that keep a lot of relevant information out of reach - and all sources are cited so you, my dear Coseytown scholars and citizen scientists, can dig in even further yourself because this information is simply too valuable to be tucked away.

Your friend,
LeeAnn | Coseytown Flowers