Well just about 1 week in…time to update
This looks normal and close to strike, which now tells me what the real solution is here after multiple rinse cycles.
Do not, I repeat DO NOT overlook wearing nitrile gloves in aero cloning. I’ll bet anything too many growers don’t even think to use gloves. This should be #1 and I won’t touch cuttings from now without gloves on. Make that a habit above all else.
DO NOT share ANY measuring equipment from main grow area. Get a 2nd set only for cloning. The only piece is the Ph pen. The reason I say this, I we tend to dip the smaller spoons in bottles since it’s hard to pour without spilling more and wasting it. I think the spoons/pipettes are safe using only cloning products. This also goes for the Ph bottles too. If you’re like me and buy big 16-32 oz Ph bottles and refill smaller 8oz bottles as it empties, get a 2nd set for cloning use. Isolation from contamination, especially if you’re a bit messier.
Have spray bottles w either bleach/Oxine/Physan 20 dilution to mist spray on what is being touched and used. Take no chances, and get in the habit of spraying what you touch and use. Your mindset has to be beyond the unit to the vicinity…
Now I don’t know if boiling/pasteurization of water is part of this. For me, I think topping off w water that’s brought near boiling point and cooled off ends up being more sterilized than chemically treating w hypochlorous. It’s staying crystal clear doing it this way, but I am adding a drop of Oxine to every 32 oz I boil in micro for 5 mins. I’m taking extra precautions that may not be necessary.
The advice to solve this pathogen was mostly relegated to the cloner and internal, not external and surroundings. And THAT may be the missing link not being considered this is the source. I can’t call it a success until I have an actual root strike, but unlike my other attempts that were done as advised this current attempt is working.