biofilm
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BIOFILMS ARE an important component of many biological systems . Biofilms form in humans and animals , as well as in plant-based production systems .”
Widespread root rot disease outbreak requires a system shutdown and disinfection , including removal of biofilms .
While it ’ s easy to think of such a biofilm matrix to be a thick , visible , crusty layer forming on system surfaces , this is not always the case . Many biofilms are not visible to the human eye , so even a clean looking system can harbour extensive biofilm formations . It is not until biofilms have remained undisturbed for some time and have developed very thick matrix layers that they may appear as brownish or tan deposits . They may also become visible after being colonized by green or brown algae . Once an established biofilm has a well-formed colony of microbes , individual planktonic microbes will detach from the biofilm surface and move with the water / nutrient solution flow to find new sites for growth . These detached microbes also make contact with plant root systems , so those that are pathogenic spread the process of infection from biofilm to plant and then from plant to plant within the system . Biofilms may also block system filters and drippers , requiring frequent maintenance to keep the nutrient solution flowing at the correct rate .
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