anti-bacterials - Orchid Board

cirillonb · #1 07-16-2008, 05:31 PM

I have a phrag that got a bacterial infection on one leaf. I have removed the leaf and will need to get to the crown tomorrow. The slipper orchid expert in our club does not like Physan-20 claiming that Phrags roots don't do well with it(I have seen this mentioned elsewhere)
With all respect, I find using cinnamon a bit of witchcraft... but that is what I did.
My medical background abhors poring tons of hydrogen Peroxide onto the plant/roots as it denatures proteins (but I did that too since all the orchid experts can't be wrong.)
What I am asking is, besides Hydrogen Peroxide, Cinnamon and Physan-20, what other antibacterials, or antibacterials are available in the orchid world.
thanks
Nick

Ross · #2 07-16-2008, 06:03 PM

I use Physan 20 on my Paphs and there is no problem. I don't see where the Phrags would have any problem, either. It is a pretty safe fungicide, all in all.

dave b · #3 07-16-2008, 07:12 PM

Phrags get Pythium often, and im guessing that may be what you are fighting. It is more like a fungus, and now considered a oospore.

Dragons Blood is one product ive seen used from folks on other forums. Never used it myself. I have found research articles on Dragons Blood, regarding the isolation of the antifungal compound, and its use.

We all know that Iodine is known for its anti-bacterial / fungal properties, and ive begun experimenting with that. I recently found a bit of Pythium on a phrag, and wiped all infected areas with Ioidine after cutting out infected areas. There may be reasons why i shouldnt use Iodine, so im not advocating its use yet. If it harms my phrag, ill be sure to post about it.

Using hydrogen peroxide as you did, works well. Increasing the air circulation is one of the most important remedies. Especially on an infected plant. The phrag i just treated is getting some extra fan treatment for the next week or so. Nothing hurricane strength, just a light but constant breeze.

gerneveyn · #4 07-16-2008, 09:38 PM

I am trying neosporin ointment on a leaf that was cut close to the crown. There was an article in Orchid that had a list of different tips and remedies. Here's a link to the list that the article referred to: Orchid Tidbits
If it's fungal, maybe amphotericin b would work? Sigma sells it in the Plant Tissue Culture Product section.

cirillonb · #5 07-16-2008, 10:28 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions and remedies. In fact it seems that Physan-20, and hydrogen peroxide have use. I would be afraid of Iodine, not for the ecological problems which are, in my opinion, more apparent than real, but that it is also a cellular poison and might not discriminate good from bad cells.
Looking forward to other thoughts
Nick

kiki-do · #6 07-16-2008, 10:39 PM

< Listerine > The regular, not mint.

cb977 · #7 07-17-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiki-do

< Listerine > The regular, not mint.

YAY!!!

You took the words right out of my mouth, kiki!

kiki-do · #8 07-17-2008, 11:46 AM

Actually Nick, the Listerine is a suggestion from Sue
(CB977) a while back and I found it to be an excellent piece of information and use Listerine all the time! Especially at repotting!
So credit goes to......I should have said this in the first place........
Sue!!!!! Our own OB Ambassador and

You rock, Sue!

cb977 · #9 07-17-2008, 12:37 PM

I wish I could remember where I came up with that bit of information but the brain cells just ain't what they use to be

cirillonb · #10 07-17-2008, 01:41 PM

Listerine is intriguing, It has proved antibacterial properties. Again, I would be concerned about its cell killing effects but so many of you use it, I guess my concerns are groundless. I see some mention its use diluted, some straight. Most shun the flavored kind (?why?)
This has been a fun thread and I look forward to even more suggestions.
Nick