OK cause i really think i am on to something. Sounds like your dads friend has the right idea but the plant is actually getting a dose of ethylene gas from the rotting peel. I just read a bunch of stuff this am on it. Ethylene gas is a female growth hormone. HA! And bananas have twice as much...
Ethylene gas. And yes bananas are emit higher levels than apples. About double actually. Ehtylene gas is a natural growth hormone. I did not know this. It was completely an accident. Papayas are high as well. Soak the rotting banana in insecticidal organic soap (no bugs or flys) put on a piece...
Holy Moly! Ya...ouch. You nuked them. You can buy insecticidle organic soap. Don't make your own. For vegging. And I am curious as to why you have so little dirt in those buckets. So sorry about your plants.