Managing fusarium challenges in pepper cultivation

To discuss the issue, three industry specialists sat down together: Antoni de Bruin, a grower and international greenhouse horticulture consultant; Richard Bruins, co-owner of Ferr-Tech; and Ron Peters, a grower, consultant and founder of Future Growing.

Increasing challenges in practice
According to the three, problems in pepper cultivation appear to have increased rather than diminished in recent years. Notably, these issues occur regardless of the substrate system used. Where certain substrate types were once assumed to be a major cause, experience in practice shows that similar problems also arise in alternative systems.

“The sector has invested heavily in new substrates, cultivation strategies and cleaning methods,” says Antoni. “Yet we see that the underlying challenges are still there.”

Water management as an important factor
Ron points out that much research has focused on symptoms and partial causes, while the role of water quality, water management and cleaning strategies may deserve more attention. “As a sector, we have access to a range of effective techniques, such as UV, ozone, heat treatment and peroxide treatments,” he says. “The question is whether we are looking closely enough at prevention and system management, rather than focusing solely on tackling existing problems.”

This is not just about disinfecting water, he stresses, but about the entire water chain—from supply and storage to pipework, drain water and reuse, since contamination or microbial pollution can re-enter the system at multiple points.

The role of FerSol within a broader strategy
Ferr-Tech emphasizes that there is no universal solution to complex cultivation challenges. “We are always cautious about making absolute claims,” says Richard. “Water quality and crop health are influenced by many factors. What we do see is that a carefully executed cleaning protocol can make a significant contribution to reducing microbial load within cultivation systems.”

FerSol is used as part of cleaning programs for greenhouses, water systems and cultivation facilities, following established protocols and in collaboration with growers. Experience from these companies shows that thorough cleaning between crop cycles helps lower infection pressure and provides a better starting point for a new growing cycle.

Towards a closed water cycle
A key focus for the future is the further development of sustainable water concepts. At Future Growing, work is underway on a system for a fully closed water loop, centered on water reuse while minimizing the use of additional chemical treatments.

According to Ron, the research is currently in an advanced testing phase. Ongoing trials in upright crops are expected to yield further insights in the coming period. “Our approach has always been to validate results carefully before presenting them widely,” Ron says. “Innovations need to be not only promising, but also reproducible and practical for the sector to apply.”

Working together on sustainable solutions
The three agree that the challenges facing pepper cultivation call for an integrated approach, one that considers water quality, hygiene, crop management and prevention together. Within that approach, FerSol can play an important role in thoroughly cleaning water systems and cultivation facilities and in reducing microbial load before a new crop cycle begins.

By combining practical experience, research and technological innovation, new opportunities are emerging to strengthen the resilience of cultivation systems and help make the sector more future-proof.