A composition comprising a chelate-based ternary complex is useful for: (1) at least in-part disabling existing populations of microorganisms; and (2) at least in-part inhibiting growth of new microorganism populations. The chelate-based ternary complex comprises a hydrogen peroxide component, a plant compatible growth promoter component and a divalent zinc ion component. The plant compatible growth promoter component may comprise a urea component or a gluconate component or a salicylate component.