H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) as a fungicide

[_Keith]

This is often prescribed as the first fungicide of choice for palm issues.   It has never worked for me, which caused me to ponder a question or two.   It seems to be most recommended by people in drier climates like Cali.   Since H2O2 degrades to water, I could see that because water is quickly evaporated there.  Here the fungal problems are usually caused by too much rainfall and humidity to start with, or even more likely rain+freeze conditions.  So after the short term beneficial effects are gone, the new H2O2 water will sit, and sit, and likely just be added to by even more rain and humidity.   Bottom line is I am wondering it this treatment is more a regionally appropriate method.  I even though about treating and then the day after using my leaf blower to blow the water our.   Just thinking out loud, or with my keyboard that is.

BTW - I also grow vegetables, particularly tomatoes where the fungal fight has major commercial and hobby implications.   I am thinking of trying some of their products as more of a prophylactic treatment so it might be absorbed before the big freezes are at the beginning of our raining season.   For example, properly applied could http://www.planetnatural.com/product/actinovate-lawn-garden/ allow me to grow a Jubaea or a true W filiera.   Long wild shot of course, but isn't that where the true fun and exploration lie.

[Bigfish]

Interesting observation, and I echo your sentiments.  I tend to reach for my good ol' copper fungicide for fungal problems.  It works well, and as they say here in The South, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"  

[Brad Mondel]

Always works for me here in South Carolina…

[Mike Evans]

Yes, H2O2 breaks down to H2O.  I do not think that is good to keep fungus and bacteria out when you are left with water in the heart.  I typically use a copper fungicide with good results, but one more that 2X.

[Brad Mondel]

H202 destroys pathogens like bacteria, fungus and mold. Killing the infection allows healing to occur. If it doesn't work then it's probably because all pathogens weren't exposed to the peroxide. When I apply peroxide I saturate the plant and bend the petioles to make sure it gets in all of the crevices. I even spray the root zone. It has worked for me every time and it also saved many palms. I've used copper fungicide as well and it works good too. 

[_Keith]

Decided to do a search including the work myth.  I am not saying it is a myth at all, but I like to research things, so there was this.

• See #18 - https://www.truthorfiction.com/hydrogen-peroxide/
• http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3799/#b
• See #3 - https://sciencebob.com/medical-myths-from-dr-oz-explained/

So, if it cured, but not through disinfectant properties, and I am not saying it doesn't, could it be the simple addition of oxygen and its effects on plant growth that would make a difference. 

And then there was this

• http://www.rootsimple.com/2012/02/heavy-duty-disinfecting-the-non-toxic-way-with-hydrogen-peroxide-and-vinegar/

This combination is of particular interest in my mind.  Vinegar in low strengths is not a weed killer to amount to much so I don't think it would have a palm for sure, but it is a superb fungal killer.   Don't believe me, as you know within a week or less fungus will begin covering fresh berries in the fridge, particularly raspberries and strawberries.   Next time you buy fresh berries give them a quick soak in vinegar and water.   The vinegar smell will be gone in minutes, but that fruit in your refrigerator will dehydrate over weeks long before fungus appears.

I may have to buy some berries to do a bit of experimenting here.

And there is the good old fashion mild Clorox solution that many use to disinfect seeds.   Would that possibly not also work.

Aquarists commonly disinfect live plants before adding to their aquarium using these methods.

• Potassium Permanganate Dip 
  This is the milder and safer method for the plants. Use a bucket filled about 1/2 full of water. Add enough Potassium Permanganate to color the water a dark pink. To disinfect and kill most algae use a 10-20 minute bath in this solution. Rinse the plants under tap water thoroughly and add dechlor to your tank...it neutralizes Potassium Permanganate too. You also could rinse by dipping in a bucket with dechlor and then rinsing under running tap water.
  
  CAUTION: Potassium Permanganate is a strong powerful oxidizer. Treatment should be made outside the tank...it will kill your bio-filter. Like all chemicals you should wear protective eye wear and gloves. Potassium Permanganate will stain clothing, carpeting, skin, etc. Never combine Potassium Permanganate and Formalin, this will result in explosive results and dangerous gases. 
  
  Bleach (Chlorine) Dip 
  This is a more effective and sure-fire way to kill algae but also has the risk of killing the plant in the process. Regular household bleach (i.e. Clorox) is diluted to a 5% (19 parts water to 1 part bleach) solution in a bucket. Have a second bucket filled with rinse water containing 3X the normal dechlor. Dip large leaf plants for 3 minutes, immediately move to the dechlor rinse bucket, then rinse under running tap water for a few seconds. If you still smell chlorine, repeat the rinse process again. For small delicate leaf plants and mosses dip for only 2 minutes in the bleach. To be safe, add dechlor to the tank after adding the plants back. Also, if you are dipping a lot of plants you may need to add more dechlor to your rinse water. 
  
  Remember, the bleach dip can and may kill your plants, so use with caution. Use the same caution handling bleach as recommended for Potassium Permanganate.
  
  Alum Dip
  The Alum dip is more for killing microscopic bugs. Use at 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Soak the plant for at least an hour, longer soaks of 2 to 3 days are needed to kill snails and snail eggs. For snails and snails eggs a 2-3 hour soak in a stronger solution of 3 tablespoons per gallon of water is a better choice. Alum isn't nearly as effective as the prior two for killing algae. 

So, there you, research chasing a rabbit down a hole.  Inquiring minds want to know.

_Keith

 

 

 

[cm05]

This thought has crossed my mind more than once, I've used it before but I've always been a little weary of overdoing it since the remaining water just sits there. Didn't work for my Pygmy (RIP) despite all the fizzing but it appeared to have helped my Trachy, so I'm kind of conflicted on it.

[Brad Mondel]

I agree that there is no scientific proof about the effects of peroxide on palms and peer reviewed studies are needed to prove that it works for palms. However, it is already proven that peroxide oxidizes and kills pathogens like bacteria and fungus. 

[Matt in OC]

My question is why H2O2 would be preferred over a fungicide like Daconil? Toxicity? Cost?

[yabazid]

its cheaper

[PalmatierMeg]

I have seen instructions for using H2O2 to treat a spear pull that instruct that after an hour you should use a clean dry cloth to soak up residual moisture in the crown of the palm

[TexasColdHardyPalms]

Peroxide works the best for cycad seeds for me, which are very susceptible to fungus. Daconil and bleaching never do the trick and I have to go back with peroxide to cure any issues. 

[Mr. Coconut Palm]

I have a Majesty that just developed some fungal issues, so I poured some H2O2 down the crown the other night.  I probably should have done it in the daytime on a warm dry day to allow the water to dry out afterwards, but I have been working hours that bring me home after dark lately, and I didn't want to postpone the treatment.  So, we will see.  The New spear was showing some browning at the base of it where some of the leaflets were starting to open and one of the other opened leaves was turning brown prematurely, which is what prompted the H2O2 treatment to begin with.  The weather forecasters are predicting a cooler and wetter than normal winter for South Texas due to El Nino, so I may be treating more of my palms with H2O2 and my Bonide Copper Fungicide.  Our last two winters were chilly and damp, which is why I lost all my inground coconut Malayan Dwarf coconut palms.

[Mr. Coconut Palm]

By the way, I used H2O2 to get rid of some fungus growing on my Hong Kong Orchid Tree that was growing on a wound where I had cut a branch off.  It cured the fungus and healed up the wound very quickly and now you can hardly even tell that there was a wound from branch removal, so I know that H2O2 does work wonders for getting rid of fungal problems. However, like Keith said, it may work better for those of us who live in drier climates.

[foxtail]

What about Neem oil?

[Mr. Coconut Palm]

Hi Angel,

I am not sure.  I haven't tried Neem oil yet.  I have heard it is good for some things, but I am not sure how effective it would be for ridding palms of fungal problems.

John

[_Keith]

I use this product on my pets and it is a miracle worker anti-fungal anti-microbial agent.   I may just have to experiment with it.  Who has a palm I can kill as a trial.  

http://vetericyn.com/

[beliz1985]

  On 12/7/2015 at 2:41 AM, TexasColdHardyPalms said:

Peroxide works the best for cycad seeds for me, which are very susceptible to fungus. Daconil and bleaching never do the trick and I have to go back with peroxide to cure any issues. 

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3%, 6%, 9% or which % solution do you use? thanks

[PalmTreeDude]

  On 5/3/2018 at 12:02 AM, beliz1985 said:

3%, 6%, 9% or which % solution do you use? thanks

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3% worked well for me.