Bacteriosis in nurseries: why sanitizing trays and equipment is essential

An Atlantic Man. industrial stainless steel washing machine sanitizing a white seedling tray, with water spraying from nozzle jets.

In the nursery sector, preventing bacteriosis is essential to protect crop quality and reduce the risk of production losses.

High humidity, frequent irrigation and poor ventilation are factors that encourage the development of bacterial pathogens — but there is an often underestimated factor: indirect contamination through trays, containers and work equipment.

Trays and containers as vehicles of bacterial contamination

Substrate residues, organic matter, standing water and contamination carried over from previous production cycles can turn trays and crates into real vehicles for the spread of bacteria.

Even with proper climate management, the risk remains high if containers are not adequately washed and disinfected before reuse.

White plastic multi-cell seed starting tray with a small drain hole in each compartment, against a white background.

How to prevent bacteriosis through proper sanitation

An effective prevention strategy should include:

  • proper ventilation to reduce ambient humidity;
  • thorough cleaning of work areas;

Tray washing in nurseries: an investment in biosecurity

Sanitation is not just good hygiene practice, but a genuine investment in biosecurity. Reducing residues and microorganisms on surfaces helps limit cross-contamination between different crops and between different production cycles.

For businesses managing high production volumes in particular, relying on automated washing systems delivers consistent results, optimizes operating times and standardizes the cleaning process.

Atlantic Man. solutions for washing and disinfecting trays

Atlantic Man. develops dedicated solutions for washing and disinfecting crates and trays for the nursery sector, designed to help businesses optimize their sanitation processes and reduce contamination risks.

The Atlantic Man. solutions include dedicated systems such as LV400 and LV1200, designed for the automatic washing and disinfection of crates and trays. These machines effectively remove organic residues and contaminants, ensuring a high hygiene standard and uniform cleaning. Thanks to their production capacity, they are an ideal solution for optimizing sanitation processes in nurseries of all sizes.

Effective sanitation management is today a key element in optimizing production activities and limiting the spread of pathogens.

Contact us for more information on Atlantic Man. solutions dedicated to the washing and disinfection of crates and trays for the nursery sector.

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    Frequently asked questions about nursery sanitation

    1Why is sanitizing trays important for preventing bacteriosis?
    Trays and containers that are not properly washed retain substrate residues, organic matter and standing water from previous production cycles. These residues can harbor bacterial pathogens and transmit them to new crops, undermining even correct climate and irrigation management.
    2What are the main risk factors for the spread of bacteriosis in nurseries?
    High humidity, frequent irrigation, poor ventilation and cross-contamination through unsanitized trays, crates and equipment are the factors that most encourage the development and spread of bacterial pathogens.
    3How often should trays and containers be washed and disinfected?
    Sanitation should take place every time containers are reused, before the start of a new production cycle, in order to break the chain of contamination between one crop and the next.
    4What's the difference between manual washing and automated sanitation systems?
    Manual washing is more prone to variable results and requires more time and labor. Automated systems, such as Atlantic Man.'s LV400 and LV1200, deliver consistent results, standardize the process and optimize operating times, making them particularly suited to nurseries with high production volumes.
    5What are Atlantic Man.'s LV400 and LV1200?
    They are automatic systems for washing and disinfecting nursery crates and trays, designed to effectively remove organic residues and contaminants and ensure a high hygiene standard, suited to nurseries of all sizes.
    6Is sanitation alone enough to prevent bacteriosis?
    No: it must be combined with proper ventilation and irrigation management. Sanitizing trays and equipment is, however, the often overlooked element that completes a truly effective biosecurity strategy.
    7Who benefits from investing in an automated tray washing system?
    It's a particularly suitable solution for nursery businesses with high production volumes, where consistent results and reduced operating times have a direct impact on productivity and on reducing phytosanitary risks.

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