Copper-containing preparations for spraying plants: the pros and cons of fungicides

The use of copper-containing preparations for spraying plants allows you to achieve a complex effect. They provide reliable protection of crops from fungal infections. Such substances are used to treat various garden plants and fruit trees. So that they do not harm he alth, you need to choose the right composition and clearly follow the instructions for its use.

Description and operation principle

Preparations containing copper differ in contact-prophylactic and protective properties. The fungicidal effect of such agents helps to cope more successfully with pathogen spores than with fungal mycelium.Copper-based preparations differ in that the active ingredient is absorbed by the cytoplasm of fungal cells.

The biological effectiveness of such products is directly affected by the established period of application and the uniformity of coverage of plants with working fluids. Copper compounds successfully cope with pathogens of powdery mildew, pear and apple scab, and various types of spotting.

Mechanism of action of copper-containing preparations differs in preventive protective character. Therefore, they are recommended to be used in accordance with the forecast of the spread of phytopathogens.

Cultivated plants are recommended to be treated with working solutions from the moment the spores begin to summer until the tissues are likely to become infected. If a pathogen enters plant cells, drugs of this group cannot cope with it.

The duration of the protective effect of copper-containing drugs reaches 10-20 days. Therefore, the next use of such substances is selected taking into account the climate, the intensity of the development of the disease, the duration of the protective effect.

Use area

Copper-based fungicides are used to treat plants during the growing season. They are versatile and help to cope with various pathogens of diseases of berries, vegetables, bushes and trees. Also, these products can be used to treat ornamental plants.

In warm weather, the active substance is well tolerated by plants and does not provoke negative reactions in them. However, in cold and humid weather, such compounds must be used very carefully to avoid burns.

Pros and cons

Copper benefits include:

highly effective against fungal infections;
extensive range of action;
possibility of using drugs for different plants;
safety for people and animals.

However, such funds have some disadvantages. These include:

phytotoxicity - observed in conditions of high humidity;
risk of accumulation of active ingredients in plants, soil and water bodies;
the threat of being washed away by rain.

Copper sprays for plants

Today, there are many effective copper-containing products on the market. The most effective drugs include:

Bordeaux liquid - helps prevent many pathologies. These include scab, various types of rot, late blight. Also, the remedy is effective against curliness and various types of spotting. The composition has many advantages. It is affordable and inexpensive.In addition, the substance additionally contains calcium, which helps to cope with the lack of this element in plants.
"HOM" - is very popular with gardeners. This remedy includes copper oxychloride. It is allowed to be used for processing plants in greenhouses. The drug is mainly used for prevention. It helps to strengthen the immune system of plants, which significantly reduces the risk of infection by fungi.
"Abiga-Peak" - this tool is mainly used for plants that are grown in open ground. It has many benefits. The drug is easy to prepare for use and has a long shelf life. Also, the tool can be safely combined with other drugs. It does not pose a danger to nature and does not adversely affect the soil.
Copper sulfate - this drug has a rich history. Gardeners have been using it for many years. The main advantage of the product is the absence of a cumulative effect, which avoids a negative impact on the crop.

How to use

Copper-based fungicides are often used in the garden. At the same time, the rules for their use may differ depending on the form of release and the availability of additional components.

Most funds are issued ready-made. However, some substances must be mixed with water. On average, copper-containing products are recommended for spraying the green mass of plants with an interval of 10-14 days. This is done in the summer. The last time the formulations are applied 20 days before harvest. Ornamental plants can be sprayed before and after flowering.

Safety

Copper-containing drugs do not pose a great danger to humans. However, when using them, it is recommended to adhere to standard safety rules. To do this, you should use personal protective equipment - goggles, a respirator, gloves.

If the substance comes into contact with the skin or eyes, rinse the affected area with plenty of water. If irritation occurs, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Such products usually do not have pronounced phytotoxic properties. However, in conditions of high humidity, they are able to provoke burns and leaf fall, as well as disruption of shoot growth. Therefore, it is recommended to spray plantings with such means in dry and warm weather.

Copper-containing products are highly effective and successfully cope with fungal infections. To prevent such substances from harming plants, it is important to strictly follow the instructions for their use. Compliance with safety rules when using them is important.