Study of use of different types of hydrogen peroxides (2006-2008)

Hydrogen peroxides are commonly used in greenhouses for cleaning purposes and disinfection of irrigation water systems, i.e., to prevent clogging by duckweed (Lemna minor), algae and other (micro)organisms. This use contains a potential risk of involuntary contact to the plants, e.g., to roots through irrigation or to the plant leaves through accidental droplets (spraying mist). To help growers to maximize disinfection with minimal risks, the efficacy and plant safety of a variety of commercial available peroxide formulations were compared, i.e., pure peroxide products, peroxide products with additives: Ag, performic acid, peracetic acid and sorbitol. Starting from pure (clean and without fertilizers) irrigation water the peroxides with Ag-stabilisers were most stable and most effective for algae prevention. In screenings for the curative effect on algae, duckweed and bacteria the best results were obtained with peroxide formulations with performic acid. In plant safety tests on potted Ficus benjamina, sprays and irrigations above the plants gave no toxicity till 500 ppm a.i.; irrigations below the plants didn't show toxicity but the plant growth was reduced with weekly applications of 2000 ppm a.i. On the contrary several applications were risky on herbaceous plants, sometimes even with very low dosages (12.5 ppm peroxide).