Hydrogen Peroxide on palms question

[Jan Jo]

I often read about how effective H202 can be in battling fungal infections in palms, I've used it myself in the past, but I'm left wondering, is it meant to be used in the concentration the solution usually comes in? 

Here in Spain I've bought it at 5,5% solution, is that safe? Is it safe for bud rot as well as root rot? Is it safe to use on seedlings?? I just read an article online saying it could also be used as a weed killer (?) which made me think I probably shouldn't be using it on my germinating seeds... Or at least not in that concentration. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks in advance! 

J

[PalmatierMeg]

Here in the US H2O2 is most often available at 3% concentration. I use it full strength. If you are concerned dilute it 1:1 with water before using.

[sonoranfans]

the purpose of H2O2 is oxidation of material and it happens fast.  It oxidizes organic matter, (R, many carbons), digesting it, but it is consumed as it does so.  H2O2+ R-> H2O +RO.  Note after oxidizing carbonaceous material it become water and oxidized carbon.  This will kill fungus, though perhaps not the worst spear rot.  The 3% commonly sold in pharmacies in the US will not burn your finger, but the 30% in chemistry labs is nasty butning your skin and the resulting pain happens in seconds.  I have used the 3% liberally on a number of serious palm fungal issues and it does help the fungicide treatment I use afterwards.   I have saved several palms with it that are now 20'+ tall.  H2O2 ensures better access to the fungal infection after removal of some rotted excess material.  When you see a greasy/slimy spear pull, that stinky grease(rotted material) inhibits the fungicide contact with the entire fungal infection in live plant matter.  Peroxide will kill fungus alone, but not nearly as effective as the combination treatment with it first and Daconil a few hours later.   With 3 treatments I have about half of infected palms recovered from what looked to be a fatal spear pull with no foliage left. 

[Jan Jo]

Thanks to both of you! Very informative.. As I said, I've used it before but always liberally and sort of assumed it couldn't harm plant tissue.. I now understand it would given the right concentration... I see what you mean about fast acting, that sizzling noise it makes when you apply it which I've always found both reassuring and slightly unsettling at the same time.. 

I think I'll stick to "pure" 5,5% on grown palms, but maybe water it down with the germination soil / seedlings.

I'm trying to germinate several species (not much experience in this) and I'm a little paranoid about rot, so I'd been using the peroxide quite liberally as a preventive measure.. Maybe I'll rein it in a bit now. And use fungicide as a back up, as you suggested... Glad it's been such a lifesaver for you. 

Thanks again! 

Edited August 12, 2020 by Jan Jo

[sonoranfans]

3% is plenty, I would test 5.5% on your finger(I am a chemist, LOL).  If you normally use it on cuts and havent noticed a burn its probably fine.  H2O2 is unstable however and if a bottle has been opened the % starts to drop.  Replace cap immediately on use to preserve the percentage.  If I were applying it liberally and repeatedly, I'd dilute it to 3% for sure.

[Jan Jo]

On 8/12/2020 at 5:53 PM, sonoranfans said:

3% is plenty, I would test 5.5% on your finger(I am a chemist, LOL).  If you normally use it on cuts and havent noticed a burn its probably fine.  H2O2 is unstable however and if a bottle has been opened the % starts to drop.  Replace cap immediately on use to preserve the percentage.  If I were applying it liberally and repeatedly, I'd dilute it to 3% for sure.

Thanks! I´ve tested the 5,5% and no harm done, it´s sold as being for "Uso Sanitario", I´m guessing it´s ok  but I hear you about diluting it, that´s what I´ll do!

Cheers,

J

[lzorrito]

19 minutes ago, Jan Jo said:

I´ve tested the 5,5% and no harm done, it´s sold as being for "Uso Sanitario", I´m guessing it´s ok  but I hear you about diluting it, that´s what I´ll do!

Hi,

Nice to hear that! Never used it, but I will try on the next spear pull. Here in the Algarve, just next to you, it's same product, "Uso Sanitário"(one 3% and other 5,5%). I think there's a stronger one around here...

Nice work on your garden! Looking great! Congratulations!

Got problems with the wind there, no?

L

 

[Steve Mac]

Hi all,

I have over the years used Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to pour into the top of palms that were not doing well too, dozens of times, with mixed results. Thank you Tom for your informed explanation of how it works. I have for years looked on line for a verified trial of H2O2 as a real remedy to spear rot, and have not found any. I would love a link if anyone has seen one.

From my limited experience I really do not know if it helps or not, not having done all of the tests with checks and balances.  I (as most of you) would hate to perpetuate unverified folklore.

 I see this remedy in the category of ....  'It may help but it can't hurt'.  Please can someone educate me further.

 

 

[Palmfarmer]

Is peroxide effective against spider mites, meelee bugs, black and white scale, the normal diseases. would spraying them down with diluted peroxide do the trick or possible kill the plant or ruin the foliage?

[Steve Mac]

Mate,

                 you have asked half a dozen different questions there. The answer is not that easy, there is no, one right answer to that question.  You should really research all of those separate questions on google. This forum should only be one of your research points and not the first and only, if you are serious in your question. You probably know that, right. 

But still for what my opinion is worth young bloke:  

 Spider mites - No

Mealybugs - No

Black scale  - No

White scale - No

Normal diseases ??? - No

Kill the plant - No

Ruin the foliage - No

Do any good? - I have not seen any proof that it does.

You did read my last post in this thread I assume.  I hope that I have been of help.

 

[Palmfarmer]

1 hour ago, gtsteve said:

Mate,

                 you have asked half a dozen different questions there. The answer is not that easy, there is no, one right answer to that question.  You should really research all of those separate questions on google. This forum should only be one of your research points and not the first and only, if you are serious in your question. You probably know that, right. 

But still for what my opinion is worth young bloke:  

 Spider mites - No

Mealybugs - No

Black scale  - No

White scale - No

Normal diseases ??? - No

Kill the plant - No

Ruin the foliage - No

Do any good? - I have not seen any proof that it does.

You did read my last post in this thread I assume.  I hope that I have been of help.

 

Using peroxide is experimental. google will not turn up any answers for it killing diseases. So i was asking if anyone had any experience using them for those things. 

[Jan Jo]

33 minutes ago, Palmfarmer said:

Using peroxide is experimental. google will not turn up any answers for it killing diseases. So i was asking if anyone had any experience using them for those things. 

Hi! I've only ever used it for fungus and I believe it helped, no experience with infestations.. I don't think I've ever noticed any damage done to the plant as a result of using it. What I did read online was that it ought to be diluted and that it could be used as a weedkiller(!) and that was what prompted me to start the topic, cos I was worried I might be putting my foot in it by using it on tender seedlings/seeds...

The not-at-all-scientific article I read (wish I could find it again) seemed to be advocating its use as a Cure For All, but I don't remember any mention of it for insect pests

[sonoranfans]

Actually using proxide is not experimental, google is not the be all end all.  It is used in tissue culture and has been for many years.  https://www.americanlaboratory.com/913-Technical-Articles/960-A-Cell-Culture-CO2-Incubator-Using-Hydrogen-Peroxide-Sterilization/

there are many other reports but I can say its a commonly used treatment on plants, though generally greenhouse plants.