Most growers look to simplify their management strategies as much as possible and surprisingly often overlook a multi-purpose tool that is commonly on hand and in their toolbox (aka pesticide storage room) already. This multi-purpose tool is none other than the EPA registered fungicide, bactericide, algaecide, viricide and disinfectant named KleenGrow.
While numerous growers across the country are already utilizing KleenGrow for multiple purposes in their greenhouses many of them overlook the true benefits it offers. It goes without saying that the name KleenGrow is most commonly associated with cleaning and disinfecting greenhouses as it provides up to 30 days of disease, virus and algae control on hard surfaces; however, did you know KleenGrow is a powerful tool for many other practical applications that reach far beyond simply cleaning and disinfecting?
KleenGrow is commonly used as a water treatment to reduce algae, biofilm and diseases in water holding tanks, in irrigation systems, and for controlling diseases on crops themselves. When was the last time you seriously considered using KleenGrow for controlling diseases on crops?
Using KleenGrow for managing diseases in not just a claim, KleenGrow is an EPA registered fungicide and bactericide with concrete research data to support these uses. Did you know KleenGrow is labeled for managing botrytis, downy mildew, Erwinia, fusarium, phytophthora, pythium, powdery mildew, pseudomonas, rhizoctonia, thielaviopsis, xanthomonas, and a wide range of fungal and bacterial leaf spots and blights on ornamental plants in greenhouses and nurseries. See Table 1 for a more complete listing of the diseases KleenGrow is effective at controlling.
| Alternaria | Clavibacter | Fusarium | Rhizoctonia |
| Anthracnose | Colletotrichum | Neopestalotiopsis | Sclerotia |
| Black Spot | Cylindrocladium | Penicillium | Thielaviopsis |
| Botrytis | Downy mildew (prevention) | Phytophthora | Volutella |
| Botrytis blight | Entomosporium | Powdery mildew | Xanthomonas |
| Boxwood blight | Erwinia | Pseudomonas | |
| Cercospora | Fireblight | Pythium |
Dr. Ann Chase – Chase Horticulture Research developed two posters displaying numerous diseases KleenGrow has shown Very Good to Excellent control on in various research trials. These posters are available on the Pace Plant Health website.
KleenGrow is so much more than a disinfectant and when used properly, it can be a valuable tool for growers to implement into their disease management programs. Growers use KleenGrow in a number of applications including cutting dips, bulb dips, bareroot dips, sprays or drenches after planting, to manage plant pathogens.
KleenGrow controls diseases by membrane disruption, causing the cell walls and membranes to physically break open. This unique mode of action prevents pathogens from building resistance to this chemistry; there is no known pathogen resistance.
This proven fungicide is compatible with a wide range of fungicides and insecticides. The complete compatibility listing can be found on the back of the KleenGrow Disease Control Standard Operating procedures technical bulletin. KleenGrow is a reliable fungicide and bactericide which can be used stand alone, in rotations, or tank mixed with other products.
It’s recommended to dial in the application rates and frequency based on the types and ages of the crops being treated.
Spray Applications
- Propagation – Apply 7.0 oz per 100 gallons. Can be applied every 7 days.
- Bedding plants, Perennials, Woody Ornamentals – Apply 7.0 oz per 100 gallons at 7-day intervals as needed or apply 13.0 oz per 100 gallons at 14-day intervals.
As with managing all foliar diseases, preventative applications are more effective than curative sprays. Begin the preventative applications when the environmental conditions are favorable for disease development or at the early onset of the infections. Avoid making applications to plants in full bloom. Good coverage is essential: coverage = kill. Inadequate spray coverage often leads to inadequate levels of control; take steps to apply KleenGrow and other fungicides properly.
Drench Applications
KleenGrow is highly effective at controlling crown diseases and soil borne pathogens. Growers typically apply 13 oz per 100 gallons when treating for root rots. The volume of solution to apply depends on the type of issue you are dealing with.
When targeting crown diseases, apply enough KleenGrow drench solution to treat the top 0.5 to 1.0 inch of soil at the surface; applying more volume is not necessary and does not improve the level of control obtained.
Higher application volumes are necessary when treating root rot pathogens; apply enough solution to thoroughly wet the root zone but not enough to have excess drench solution leach out of the containers.
As you can see, KleenGrow is a versatile, cost-effective multi-tool growers can use to not only disinfect their growing areas but is a viable and highly effective option for their disease management programs. There is a place and benefit for using KleenGrow in every disease control rotation.
Please contact your Pace Plant Health Representative if there are any questions or concerns regarding plant safety, application rates or application methods, Many growers like to send us pictures of their crops to have us guide them to an appropriate application method and rate – besides who doesn’t appreciate a free second opinion. We’re here to help with your success.