Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease ... - Cornell University

MATERIAL FACT SHEET
Hydrogen Peroxide, Hydrogen Dioxide
128 Organic Resource Guide
MATERIAL NAME: Hydrogen Peroxide, Hydrogen Dioxide
MATERIAL TYPE: Inorganic chemical
U.S EPA TOXICITY CATEGORY: I, “Danger”
USDA-NOP:
Synthetic, allowed with restrictions. May be used for plant disease control or as an algaecide,
disinfectant, or sanitizer if the requirements of 205.206(e) are met. Preventive, cultural, mechanical,
and physical methods must be first choice for pest control, and conditions for use of
a biological or botanical material must be documented in the organic system plan (NOP 2000).
May be used as an adjuvant or inert ingredient in passive pheromone dispensers.
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION
Hydrogen peroxide is an odorless, colorless liquid. Aqueous solutions are used at a range of
concentrations for bleaching paper, fabric, hair, and food; as a disinfectant and antiseptic; and
in sewage and wastewater treatment. An 80% solution is used in rocket propulsion (Patniak
2003). Products with concentrations between 27 and 33% are used for surface sterilization and
plant disease management in agricultural settings. These products are diluted to concentrations
between 1:100 and 1:300 for use as surface disinfectants for non-porous surfaces and for
soil, plant drench, or foliar applications.
HOW IT WORKS:
Hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent. It reacts with substances with which it comes
into contact by taking electrons. Rust and fire are both oxidative processes. When living tissue
or microorganisms come into contact with oxidizing agents, the cell membrane is oxidized and
disrupted, causing the cell to break open and die. Hydrogen peroxide is reactive and shortlived
in the environment and has no residual activity (HERA 2005).
TYPES OF PESTS IT CONTROLS
Hydrogen peroxide is a general disinfectant, killing microorganisms with which it comes into
contact. Some formulations are labeled for foliar applications to plants in order to control bacterial
and fungal pathogens. Product labels include a wide variety of crops and a wide variety
of pests. Some formulations are labeled for use in irrigation lines to control soil-borne pathogens.
Other formulations are labeled for surface disinfection of greenhouse structures, pots,
benches, and tools. Some formulations are labeled for both uses.
FORMULATIONS AND APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Hydrogen peroxide is generally available as a 27%-33% concentrate liquid formulation that is
diluted for foliar application and surface sterilization. It works best when diluted with water
that contains low levels of organic or inorganic materials and a neutral pH. Tanks should be
thoroughly rinsed with water before mixing. Hydrogen peroxide mixes readily with water with
no settling.
Workers who are handling concentrate should wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves.
Applicators and handlers must wear coveralls over long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and
chemical-resistant footwear.
Various dilution guidelines exist for different uses:
• May be used as a pre-plant dip treatment for control of damping-off, root rot, and stem
rot diseases at a 1:100 dilution.