Clean water, green future: new nursery project leading the way in water disinfection
9 October 2023
A new project is researching the most effective irrigation system disinfection methods and seeks your input to determine what works best for your business.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries is spearheading a new levy funded project, Validating Water Disinfestation Systems in Nursery Production (NY21002), focused on assessing and enhancing irrigation water disinfection methods within the industry.
Starting in early 2023, this two-year long program is set to end in 2024.
Ensuring Water Security for Plant Health
Project Lead Dr Toni Chapman said the project's primary objective is to work closely with growers to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of their water disinfection systems, with the aim to determine if these systems are delivering the expected results.
"Water security is integral for plant health, as water serves as one of the primary pathways for pathogens to enter nursery systems. Once these pathogens infiltrate, they can persist indefinitely, posing significant risks to both plants and businesses,” said Dr Chapman.
Next steps for the project
The project looks to stand as a key initiative in protecting the future of Australia’s nursery industry. Once data is collected from nurseries and processed, it will be fed back to industry and used to update the Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme (NIASA)
The guidelines provide best practice for production nurseries and incorporate new information on water management.
Active Industry Stakeholder Involvement
A key strength of this project is its active engagement with you, as an industry stakeholder.
You can participate by completing a survey evaluating your water disinfection practices. Additionally, you can have your water samples collected and analysed, providing valuable insights for both the project and your business.
Dr Chapman elaborates on the sampling process, saying, "We collect samples at various stages: before they enter the water system, after they have undergone disinfection, and at critical points in between. This comprehensive approach allows us to assess the systems' long-term performance."
Empowering Growers and Protecting the Industry
The new project is already benefiting growers by providing insights to improve their operations. One grower who participated in the project rectified water sanitation issues identified during testing. This proactive approach has already proven helpful and has the potential to prevent future problems.
The Path Forward: Get Involved
This project is pivotal in safeguarding the future of Australia's nursery industry. By evaluating and enhancing water disinfection methods, it not only addresses current challenges but also equips growers to face future threats.
Once data is collected and processed, it will be used to update the Nursery Industry Accreditation Scheme Australia (NIASA) guidelines, setting new standards for production nurseries and incorporating advanced water management practices.
The project welcomes contributions from anyone involved in the industry. You can participate by completing a 15-minute survey. For more information, visit: https://www.horticulture.com.au/growers/help-your-business-grow/research-reports-publications-fact-sheets-and-more/ny21002/