As the spring production season gets going, there are a few items that may be beneficial to check on. Addressing these issues before production begins will prevent fewer problems later on.
1. Furnace Inspection
With all the heat cycles, over time, a furnace’s heat exchanger can crack. This releases gases into the greenhouse that, even at low levels, can be harmful to plants and result in lower leaf loss. A few years back, a grower was complaining that their petunias were failing to bloom, especially closer to the furnace. On the visit to the greenhouse, a cracked heat exchanger was identified as the problem. The irony of the situation was that the furnace gases were also acting as plant growth regulators, and the grower was informed that plant growth regulator applications would most likely be required in the future once the furnace was repaired. Inspecting a heat exchanger is easier when it is darker, and the open flame can more readily be viewed. For minor cracks, a product such as JB Weld will seal the cracks.
2. Weeds
Eliminating weeds before kicking off the season will help prevent a lot of problems. First of all, it helps to prevent future generations of weeds if it is done before seed formation. We have also found that weeds such as henbit can harbor several pests, such as spider mites, whiteflies, aphids, and Western flower thrips. By removing weeds, the inoculation source for infecting the spring crop is eliminated.