Candace
Well-Known Member
It's absolutely not a good idea to reuse media, unless it's sterilized leca. That's a good way to spread fungus, pests, bacteria and virus to all your plants.U mean you reuse media? I din't think that's a good idea.
It's absolutely not a good idea to reuse media, unless it's sterilized leca. That's a good way to spread fungus, pests, bacteria and virus to all your plants.U mean you reuse media? I din't think that's a good idea.
Pseudomonas don't exactly thrill me but fusarium sends chills down my spine. Although I don't know which fusarium species was found in the one batch of CHC, I know one thing- I've always had a healthy respect for filamentous fungi because some can produce mycotoxins.
Sanderanium, which fusarium was found if you know.
Do you use only CHC or a CHC/bark mixture like sustrate or other additives.I will try to remember to take pictures later today.
Some strains of Fusarium oxysporum produce the toxic substances fusaric acid, moniliformin , trichothecenes and fusarin C . Trichothecenes is dangerous enough to be listed as a biological weapons agent in the draft Protocol to the UN Convention on Biological and Toxic Weapons.
Fumonisins have been shown to cause a neurological disease, equine leucoencephalomalacia in horses, pulmonary edema in swine, hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects in other domestic animals, and carcinogenesis in laboratory animals. In humans, mycotoxins can cause reduced growth rate, decreased resistance to infection, fatty liver syndrome and death.14
Thanks guys, I will look into that further. I wasn't aware that there were such serious health concerns related to the product. And I have to say a large number of high quality Australian Nurseries use it extensively now as well.
I have one or two plants with some stunted growth but I put this down to the fact they were also stunted when in bark.
I mainly use CHC now on its own, I don't see any benefit so far of mixing it with other products but might change my way of thinking when I repot them again next year. I used to use 'sponge rock' I think you call in the mix but I don't see the point of bark.
I know a number of growers who don't mix the CHC with anything and because this particular product is so high in quality I didn't think it would be necessary either.
I guess I need to investigate the issue further.
Thanks
Besides, if you don't have any disease, you can't spread it by reusing media.
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