Horticultural operations are facing increasing pressure to solve sanitation issues related to water treatment. Some of the pressure is external originating from government regulations and consumer preferences. Most of the pressure, however, is internal and includes better disease management, integrating capture of irrigation runoff with recycling opportunities, elimination of biofilm and algae control.

Greenhouse growers using, trialing and considering chlorine dioxide includes those with the following objectives:

• Dosing a chlorine dioxide solution directly into irrigation flow.
• Using a manual or automatic spraying device to treat vegetation.
• A chlorine dioxide treated water to prevent algae growth on hard surfaces and path ways.
• Post harvest washing and disinfection of fruits and vegetables.