Diseases often attack fruit trees seasonally, but the best way to deter them is by using copper spray, which provides all-around protection against intruders.
If you want to learn more about using some recommended premium copper sprays for your fruit trees, stick to the article!
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Why Applying Copper Fungicide Sprays Is Important?
Do you know fungal pathogens contribute to 85% of all plant diseases? The rest of the disease-contributing pathogens in fruit trees come from bacteria and algae.
The spores of these pathogens are present in the soil and sneak into the plant when the environmental condition favors them the most.
Some of the common bacterial fruit diseases include cankers, blights, leaf spots, shothole diseases, and fruit rots. Likewise, common fungal fruit diseases comprise fruit and root rots, mildews, scabs, and leaf molds.
Since these bacterial and fungal pathogens attack the fruit trees after the conditions favor them, they can be arrested by applying chemical control agents before they attack the plant.
Hence, copper fungicide sprays can immediately kill bacterial and fungal pathogens, known as “contact killing.”
How To Spray Copper Fungicides & Bactericides On Fruit Trees?
Copper-based fungicides and bactericides are available in various forms, such as liquid, granules, wettable powders, and dispersible formulations.
Hence, you can apply them in various ways. However, the most important thing to consider is the time of application, which is during the fall.
Furthermore, remember that copper fungicidal and bactericidal sprays can damage young leaves, flowers, and fruits. So, spraying your fruit trees before the emergence of new foliage is advisable.
Additionally, you can spray these fungicides and bactericides before pathogens attack the plant and infect the host.
Steps To Use Copper Sprays On Fruit Trees
You can prepare the fungicides forehand as instructed on the pack and begin the spraying process.
Moreover, you can apply the copper sprays on fruit trees every 7-10 days until the symptoms subside.
Further, it’s crucial to know that the products must be applied after 12 hours of dry weather.
Here are a few tips on protecting your fruit trees by spraying the fungicides and bactericides correctly.
- First, remove the infected plant parts using sterilized pruners. Clean your tools after each cut using isopropyl alcohol to prevent the spread.
- Let your fruit tree dry under the sun in an open space to remove all the moisture and allow good air circulation between the plants.
- Spray the prepared fungicide or bactericide all over the plant and let it dry again.
- If possible, keep the outdoor plant covered using transparent plastic or keep the indoor fruit tree isolated from other plants.
However, you must be careful while considering the amount of fungicide to use, as large amounts can potentially harm humans also.
Pro Tip!
It’s always considerable to use masks and gloves while spraying your fruit trees with chemical control measures.
Similarly, using copper-based chemical sprays during flowering seasons is not advisable as it may hurt native pollinators, such as bees, birds, and butterflies.
Copper Sprays Vs. Neem Oil – Who Wins?
Neem oil is a naturally occurring fungicide and bactericide that occurs in the seeds of Azadirachta indica (Neem).
Although neem oil and copper sprays share similarities, they both retain their trademarks in use and applicability.
| Copper Sprays | Neem Oil |
|---|---|
| Non-biodegradable | Biodegradable |
| Effective on sap-sucking insects only | Effective on wide range of insects |
| Works only as a preventive | Works both as a killer and preventive |
| Harmful for soil in excess use | Safe for soil even in excess use |
Best Copper Sprays For Fruit Trees [2024 Edition]
Below is the list of excellent on-hand copper spray products you can buy for fruit trees.
| Copper Sprays | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Bonide Captain Jack's Copper Fungicide Product Use: Bacteria & Fungi | Cures blights, spots, curls, mildews, etc. Long-lasting efficacy |
| Liquid Copper Fungicide Product Use: Bacteria & Fungi | Works with manual sprayers Applicable for controlling moss & algae |
| Liqui-Cop Copper Garden Spray Fungicide Product Use: Fungi | Cures wide range of mildews, blights, spots, rots, etc. Prolonged coverage |
| Bonide Copper Fungicide Product Use: Fungi | Applicable for fruits, trees, shrubs, vegetables, ornamentals, etc. Available in 2 forms: Liquid & Dust |
| Monterey Liqui-Cop Fungicides Product Use: Fungi | Works on vegetables and fruits Safe for use in both dormant and growing seasons |
| Fertilome Copper Fungicide Product Use: Fungi | Can prevent & treat the disease Works for active & dormant diseases |
From Editorial Team
Conclusion!
Although copper spray fungicides and bactericides work on many diseases and plants, you should never apply them during hot or rainy days.
Also, one should understand that copper spray for fruit trees is preventive but not curative and may not free the plant entirely from the disease.
