A new solution for nurseries to combat plant pathogens and reduce mortality

By Jan Jacob Mekes

Plant diseases caused by pathogens like Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Pythium pose significant challenges for growers, leading to crop losses and reduced productivity. However, an innovative solution involving the on-site generation of hydrogen peroxide has emerged as a powerful tool in mitigating these threats. Leveraging this technology, growers around the world have reported lower plant mortality rates, promoting healthier crops. So, how can Peroxide UltraPure revolutionize plant disease management?

UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM

Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Pythium are notorious plant pathogens that thrive in water-borne environments, making them especially detrimental to crops reliant on irrigation systems.

Phytophthora is a group of water molds that are destructive plant pathogens causing various diseases in a wide range of plants. Phytophthora infections can result in significant economic losses, as affected plants may experience wilting, root rot, crown rot, leaf spots, or blights.

Tomatoes affected by a Phytophthora infection

Fusarium is a genus of filamentous fungi that includes many species known for their ability to cause plant diseases. It can cause various damaging plant diseases, including wilting, rotting, and reduced yield in crops.

Pythium is a genus of parasitic oomycete pathogens that primarily affects plants, causing diseases such as damping-off, root rot, and seedling blight, particularly in areas with high moisture or waterlogged conditions.

GARDEN OF EDEN BERRIES, SOUTH AFRICA

After adopting Peroxide UltraPure™ generated through the HPGen™ system, this strawberry nursery reported reduced plant mortality rates caused by Phytophthora and Pythium. The continuous supply of pure hydrogen peroxide ensured root systems remained protected, resulting in healthier plants and a significant decrease in losses, from 20 to 10 percent as compared to the previous solution based on industrial peroxide.

These pathogens attack plant roots, causing rot, wilting, and ultimately, plant death. Conventional methods of disease control often involve the application of chemical treatments or fungicides. However, these approaches can be costly, environmentally damaging, and may lead to the development of resistant pathogen strains.

THE POWER OF ON-SITE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE GENERATION

Peroxide UltraPure offers a proven solution for plant protection. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a powerful oxidizer that disrupts the cellular structures of  various pathogens. Through on-site generation, ultra-high purity hydrogen peroxide is generated. Growers can access a reliable and freshly made solution with stronger efficacy than industrial peroxide.

A nursery in Pennsylvania, USA, saw visible improvements in lavender plants – left: without Peroxide UltraPure, right: after using Peroxide UltraPure

Growers have seen visible differences after switching to Peroxide UltraPure™, reporting a strong effect on plant diseases such as Pythium or Phytophthora. Peace Tree Farm, a nursery in Pennsylvania, United States, reported a decrease in Pythium losses from 20% to 1% as compared to ozone. Similarly, Garden of Eden Berries, a strawberry nursery in South Africa, reported a decrease in plant mortality from 20% to 10% as compared to industrial peroxide – mostly due to reduced Phytophthora effects. We attribute this to the effectiveness of Peroxide UltraPure™, which has a very high oxidizing strength thanks to its ultra-high purity, and it has an effect not only at the point of contact, but throughout the whole irrigation system. Peroxide UltraPure is very safe to use, as it is fully compatible with plant material, and it decomposes into water and oxygen. There are no impurities such as acids or stabilizers that are often found in industrially made products that accumulate on the substrate and root zone.

BETTER FOR PLANT, PEOPLE AND PLANET

Peroxide UltraPure™ has plant protection properties that can help reduce disease pressure, preventing the spread of pathogens through water systems and protecting plant roots. It not only protects plants from pathogens, but also promotes overall plant health. The controlled release of oxygen from hydrogen peroxide enhances oxygenation in the root zone, facilitating better nutrient uptake and root development. Stronger root systems contribute to improved plant vigor, stress resistance, and ultimately, higher crop yields.

On-site peroxide generation aligns with sustainable agricultural practices. It eliminates the need for chemical transportation and storage, reducing carbon footprints and minimizing environmental risks associated with conventional disease control methods. After use, it breaks down into water and oxygen, leaving no harmful residues in the environment.

JADE GARDEN, NEW ZEALAND

The HPGen™ system enabled this cucumber supplier to achieve cleaner irrigation systems, combating biofilm formation effectively. Simultaneously, the increased oxygenation of irrigation water improved root health and crop vitality. The system’s safety and simplicity also created a safer working environment for employees.

Peroxide UltraPure™ presents a game-changing solution for growers battling plant diseases caused by Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Pythium. By harnessing the power of ultra-high purity peroxide, growers can effectively promote plant health and reduce plant mortality rates. With its environmental sustainability, ease of use, and remarkable results reported by growers worldwide, Peroxide UltraPure™ offers a promising future for the agricultural industry. Embracing this innovative solution can lead to healthier crops, improved yields, and a more sustainable approach to plant disease management.

PEACE TREE FARM, UNITED STATES

Implementing the HPGen™ system enabled this organic nursery to combat Pythium outbreaks and achieve more consistent crop yields. The grower reports that pathogens in the water recirculation system were eliminated, significantly reducing plant losses – down from 10-20 percent to less than 1 percent. Furthermore, improved plant health accelerated growth cycles, resulting in enhanced profitability.