The use of peracetic acid

[roydevet]

I have read of using paracetic acid for disinfection of plants using a formula of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide heated together. I also have read that this combination can be very irritating and toxic to the user. Do you have any experience with this formula and any comments about the toxicity to man or plant?

[Zoi2]

Is there a reason you would want to use this method? I think food growers used this years ago, not sure if they still do. There are easier products to use to get rid of bacteria and fungus. Just my two cents.
Joann

[Gin]

Interesting , I looked it up from what I read it would have to be in high concentrations to be corrosive to man don't know about plants but suspect the vinegar would be drying to them . I did not find the ratio of vinegar to peroxide .
I use straight peroxide on plants for rot . .. Happy growing

[Ben Belton]

I started using this about a year ago for making Phalaenopsis stem propagation. In the past it took me almost 2 hours to do 3 inflorescences. Now I do 2 in about 15 minutes.

I'm not sure about toxicity. I don't touch it. It smells like vinegar.

[roydevet]

Originally Posted by Ben Belton

I started using this about a year ago for making Phalaenopsis stem propagation. In the past it took me almost 2 hours to do 3 inflorescences. Now I do 2 in about 15 minutes.

I'm not sure about toxicity. I don't touch it. It smells like vinegar.

I was reviewing the Yahoo TC groups on the making and Using this solution instead of doing the Clorox disinfectant on explants.


The formula I read was to heat 100mL white Vinegar in Microwave, then add 400mL Hydrogen Peroxide 3%, to get a 2000 ppm solution.

Is this what you are using?
Thank you for your help.

[Ben Belton]

Hey,

Yes, that's what I use.

What are you using it for? The other posters suggest (maybe correctly) that you are using it on seedlings or something to prevent rot. If that is the case, I would say it is too strong. I'm using it in place of 15% Clorox. I think it would kill seedlings in a second.

I have found it needs to be fairly fresh too. Also, once I've used a portion, that portion needs to be tossed. You can't reuse it.

Ben

[Ray]

Zero-Tol is a commercial peroxyacetic acid-stabilized hydrogen peroxide product for horticulture.

[littlefrog]

I'm pretty sure that sufficient concentration of acetic acid is toxic to most plants... There is a 'home version' of roundup that some organic farmers use, I think it is straight vinegar.

I question the wisdom of disinfecting plants for most purposes. If you are going to use the tissue for sterile culture, or wish to avoid putting pathogens into an enclosed environment (like a terrarium), then ok. Orchid plants 'in the wild' (or on your windowsill) will never be sterile to begin with. If there is a fungal or bacterial problem, treat the problem (which is usually cultural). I'd use the least toxic method possible first.