Copper Oxychloride: What is it? How do we use it in agriculture?

What is copper oxychloride?

A little history about copper oxychloride

In 1880, he came to Europe from America downy mildew of vine . A disease that caused devastating damage to all vineyards in France. Back then, only sulfur compounds existed to treat fungal pests.

However, by accident Millardet realized that certain strains smeared with a mixture of copper sulfate and lime, distinguishable by their bluish hue , did not contract the disease.

From this combination the professor developed the formula of what was the first chemical synthesis compound, cuprocalcium sulfate or also called Bordeaux mixture.

Since then, research on compounds derived from copper has been promoted to attack fungal diseases.

Therefore, now there is copper oxychloride and other compounds such as copper hydroxide.

What is copper oxychloride used for in agriculture?

Copper oxychloride works  preventing the penetration of the fungus and inhibits spore germination. 

 Important : Remember that any excess fungicide can cause physiological damage to the crop .

It has an extreme fixation on the ground and is toxic to humans if inhaled or ingested . However, thanks to the fact that it remains in the soil, its fungicidal activity can be greater and have advantages for the crop.

It should be noted that copper- derived fungicides have a preventive rather than a curative effect . This means that it prevents future infections and the spread of fungi.

Some fungi develop resistance to fungicides, however, copper oxychloride has proven to be very effective. 

This is an advantage because it can be used multiple times on the same crop with the same effects. Although remember that given its toxicity you can only use it once a year and in the amounts indicated on the packaging.

More specifically, the operation of this fungicide is forming a protective barrier on the surface of the sheet against attack by the endoparasitic fungi.

The ions are absorbed by the spores of the fungus and bacteria until the accumulation is lethal to their cells.

That is  fungicides containing copper block the respiratory process of fungi causing them to be unable to synthesize proteins and thus reducing the activity of their cell membrane until finally, these fungi die being unable to obtain food.

Although it is used in organic farming, the amounts supplied to the plant should not be exceeded.

Its use is limited to  maximum 6 kilograms per hectare in a year. If near your culture there are areas of water such as lakes , rivers or underground reservoirs, avoid its use as it is highly toxic to aquaculture life.

The copper oxychloride is effective for diseases such disease in blight potato . It is also very effective to attack the Alternaria, the anthracnose , the Bacteriosis, the Mildew, the Dent or sieve, the Monilia, the Speckled, the Aguado and the Fomopsis. 

Speaking of crops, it is used to treat diseases of the olive tree , of trees that bear fruit and vegetables such as broccoli , garlic , onion and aubergine .

An advantage of fungicides is to treat crops that are very sensitive to fungi such as grapes.

Since it gives complete protection against diseases that grapes usually have, such as mildew, powdery mildew or botrytis . Its application can be done by spraying copper oxychloride on crops.

Copper oxychloride has also been used for biodynamic agriculture .

When and how to apply it in your garden? How do we prepare it?

Copper oxychloride can be applied in  any stage of the crop. 

It is sold in presentations specifically for plants and in different doses, so it is important that you read the instructions for each package since the recommended amounts may vary.

There are solid presentations that can be sprinkled on the ground to prevent the spread of harmful fungi.

Copper oxychloride dosage

There are also already dissolved presentations that are the most recommended if you have an urban garden or a small crop.

Here are some doses of copper oxychloride :

1. BELTASUR 500 (50% copper oxychloride). It comes in a powder form for soaking. There are presentations of 40 grams with a measuring spoon and also in a 1 kg format for large plantations. The 50% copper presentations are used mainly before the flowering of the fruit trees. It is normally dosed at 300 – 400 g / hl. There are also presentations in the form of biological fungicide sachets for 750ml of water. They have a very similar concentration.
2. 70% copper oxychloride. The dosage has to be lower because it has a higher concentration. 150 – 250 cc / hl. Be careful applying it to copper sensitive plants.
3. 38% copper oxychloride. Dosage is 200-300 cc / hl and usually comes in liquid forms.

Where can I buy Copper Oxychloride?

Copper oxychloride can be purchased in t endm ents specialized in agriculture or crops. 

It can also be found in stores that sell chemicals. 

Finally, we have acquired it on Amazon and it has given us good results. We leave you some options:

Last update on 2021-06-11 / Affiliate Links / API Images for Affiliates