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. To prevent them from causing harm to health, you need to choose the right composition and strictly follow the instructions for its use.
Description and principle of operation
Preparations containing copper are distinguished by 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 component 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.
The mechanism of action of copper-containing drugs is preventive and protective in nature. Therefore, they are recommended to be used in accordance with the forecast of the spread of phytopathogens.
It is recommended to treat cultivated plants with working solutions from the beginning of the summer of spores until the probable infection of the tissues. 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 disease, and the duration of the protective effect.
Area of use
Copper-based fungicides are used to treat plants during the growing season. They are versatile and help cope with various pathogens of berries, vegetables, bushes and trees. These products can also 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 compositions must be used very carefully to avoid burns.
Advantages and disadvantages
The benefits of copper-containing drugs include the following:
- high efficiency in the fight against fungal infections;
- broad spectrum of action;
- possibility of using preparations for different plants;
- safety for people and animals.
However, such funds also have some disadvantages. These include:
- phytotoxicity – observed in conditions of high humidity;
- risk of accumulation of active components in plants, soil and water bodies;
- threat of being washed away by rain.
Copper-containing preparations for spraying plants
Today there are many effective products containing copper on the market. The most effective drugs include:
- Bordeaux mixture - helps prevent many pathologies. These include scab, various types of rot, and late blight. The product is also effective against curling and various types of spotting. The composition has many advantages. It is accessible 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 among gardeners. This product includes copper oxychloride. It is allowed to be used for treating plants in greenhouses. The drug is mainly used for prevention. It helps strengthen the plant's immune system, which significantly reduces the risk of fungal infection.
- "Abiga-Peak" - this product is mainly used for plants that are grown in open ground. It has many advantages. The drug is easy to prepare for use and has a long shelf life. Also, the product can be safely combined with other drugs. It does not pose a danger to nature and does not have a negative impact on 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 negative effects on the crop.
How to use
Copper-based fungicides are often used in gardening. However, the rules for their use may differ depending on the form of release and the presence of additional components.
Safety precautions
Copper-containing preparations do not pose a great danger to people. However, it is recommended to adhere to standard safety rules when using them. To do this, it is worth using 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 can provoke burns and leaf fall, as well as impaired shoot growth. Therefore, it is recommended to spray plantings with similar products 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 of no small importance.
