Citrus

Silver as an Effective Disinfectant: Silver possesses natural antimicrobial properties due to its ions binding to the DNA of viruses, fungi and bacteria, preventing their replication. When combined with (unstable) hydrogen peroxide, which corrodes cell walls, silver forms a stable product with dual action. This results in a highly effective disinfectant that is not only biodegradable but also eco-friendly.

Introduction:

The CRI received a formulation claimed to be micronised silver in a peroxide blend. It is anticipated that this formulation will be effective against Penicillium digitatum (PD) and Galactomyces citri-aurantii (GCA) in the packhouse. Given that Penicillium is the more prevalent and more easily controlled of the two organisms, we have decided to use PD exclusively as the test organism.

Table 1:

Table of the levels of control achieved by a 2% Peroxsil solution compared to standard chlorine as a water sanitiser for use in aqueous applications.

Conclusion:

The products may be considered for further development as chlorine replacements due to their efficacy observed in this pilot trial. The silver residues are immeasurable, are well within Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) limits, and therefore pose no regulatory issues or health risks. The lower efficacy of chlorine was noted, with usual control levels ranging from 83% to 87% in these pilot trials.
No phytotoxicity was observed.

Download the full trial details (pdf).