Fungicidal effect of hydrogen peroxide on fungal infection of rainbow trout eggs

Exposure to 1,500 μg/ml of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 60 min at 13°C was found to be injurious to rainbow trout eggs. On the other hand, the concentration which effectively inhibited pathogenic fungi in vitro was substantially less than this toxic dosage; specifically, 500 μg/ml for 60 min at 20°C to inhibit the zoosporic stage and 1,000 μg/ml for 60 min at 20°C to inhibit the vegetative stage. From in vivo tests, treatment with 1,000 μg/ml of H2O2 for 60 min at 13°C was found to be the most effective procedure to control fungal infection and increase the hatching rate of rainbow trout eggs.