Hydrogen peroxide, well known as an ingredient in disinfectant products, is now also approved for controlling microbial pests on crops growing indoors and outdoors, and on certain crops after harvest. This active ingredient prevents and controls bacteria and fungi that cause serious plant diseases.
While hydrogen peroxide isn't a good choice for your skin, its antiseptic properties make it useful around the house. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can kill viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungi and spores.
As an added bonus, hydrogen peroxide can help discourage unwanted bacteria/fungi that may be lurking in the garden. To give plants an added boost of oxygen or for pest control using the 3% solution, add 1 teaspoon (5 ml.) per cup (240 ml.) of water in a spray bottle and mist the plant.
Hydrogen peroxide can easily kill fungus on the surface level but is not intended for internal use. You can pour hydrogen peroxide over the infected area, but be aware it may sting and should bubble, especially if you have any open wounds.
If you use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide on the foliage of the plant you run the risk of burning it. You could burn the roots, but since it's necessary to kill the root rot-causing bacteria, it's a risk worth taking.
Spray your plants' foliage once per week if you're using hydrogen peroxide as a preventive. If your garden already has bugs, you may need to use hydrogen peroxide two or three times per week to get rid of them. You should also apply the spray after it rains, as the showers will wash off any spray you have applied.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was initially recognized as a toxic reactive oxygen species, able to cause damage to a variety of cellular structures. However, it became clear in the last decade that H2O2 can also act as a potent signalling molecule, involved in a plethora of physiological functions.
To eliminate Fungal Infections
When the plant needs watering, flush water with a 1/4 cup of H2O2 3% with 4 cups of water.
Hydrogen peroxide is a highly reactive solution. When it comes into contact with a catalase, it releases oxygen and water causing bubbles. 3 If there is blood, bacteria, or another catalase on the skin, hydrogen peroxide will react with it and cause bubbling.
The way it works is that hydrogen peroxide kills the bacteria that causes root rot in plants and breaks down into the soil mix to release extra oxygen atoms to encourage the growth of healthy, new roots. The oxygen in hydrogen peroxide is what is used to kill mold, bacteria, and fungus.
Don't use hydrogen peroxide on wounds
Let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief. “Hydrogen peroxide has fallen out of favor as a wound cleanser,” Dr. Beers says. “Studies have found that it irritates the skin.
Antifungal medicines can kill a fungus. Or they may stop it from multiplying or growing. There are several classes of antifungal medications and different types of medicines. Your healthcare provider will select the best prescription medicine.
Hydrogen peroxide is widely known as an extremely safe and effective disinfectant that can be used all over your home. Chances are if you've ever sprayed a hydrogen peroxide cleaner on a moldy or germ laden surface, you have witnessed bubbles and foaming on that surface.
Bugs don't like hydrogen peroxide, making it an excellent repellant to protect your plants. Additionally, the extra oxygen in the solution effectively kills the eggs and larvae from insects that have taken up residence in your plants.
For misting Indoor plants mix 1 tsp./ cup of water. This improves aeration to your plant and deters fungus on leaves and soil. The ratio here is one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 48 parts water. To help kill pests on the plant leaves like Aphids, spider mites and other sapsuckers use the misting solution above.
Apart from being more mindful of how often and how much water you give your plants and plant roots, you can also use a mixture of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide concentration mixed in 1 quart of water once a week to encourage healthy root growth in your plants' roots or treat the spread of root rot and root decay.
Treat the soil.
Use 1-2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide per cup of water, and mix enough to saturate the entire root ball. Mix well, then apply to the soil. Hydrogen peroxide is root safe though it can look a little scary, because it will begin to bubble up when poured in. This is normal!
Isopropyl alcohol may be intermittently effective against fungus but it is not effective against fungal spores. Treatment of mold and fungus is generally considered a problem of moisture and humidity.