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Copper

There are many copper compounds that are used as fungicides. The most common is Bordeaux mix which is a combination of copper sulphate and hydrated lime. It is accepted in organic farming provided that the number of applications is strictly followed and a proper soil amendment is observed to prevent copper accumulation in the soil.

Bordeaux mix spray

Materials needed to make a gallon mixture

  • 3 œ tbsp of copper sulphate
  • 10 tbsp of hydrated lime
  • 1 gallon of water (4 liters of water)
  • Wooden stick
  • Plastic bucket

    • How to prepare?

    1. Add copper sulphate and hydrated lime in water. Make sure to use plastic container.
    2. Stir well using a wooden sick or ladle.
    3. Protect self from direct contact with the solution.

    How to use?

    1. Spray plants thoroughly preferably early in the morning, in a dry and sunny day. In this way, the plants have the time to dry and the solution can not penetrate into the leaves' tissues
    2. Constantly shake the sprayer while in the process of application to prevent the solution from clogging

    Pest controlled

      n
    1. Flea beetles on tomatoes and potatoes
    2. Anthracnose
    3. Bacterial blight
    4. Bacterial wilt
    5. Black spot
    6. Downy mildew
    7. Late blight on solanaceous crops
    8. Powdery mildew
    9. Rust
    10. and many other disease causing pathogens

    Standard procedures for the preparation and application of homemade extracts

    1. Read and follow the label instructions carefully. Ask for assistance from your local agriculturist office when using copper for the first time.
    2. Monitor plants regularly and spray only when necessary as copper can accumulate into the soil.
    3. Spray in the early morning or late afternoon.
    4. Use utensils for the extract preparation that are not use for your food preparation and for drinking and cooking water containers. Clean properly all the utensils every time after using them.
    5. Do not have a direct contact with the crude extract while in the process of the preparation and during the application.
    6. Make sure that you place the extract out of reach of children and house pets while leaving it overnight.
    7. Harvest all the mature and ripe fruits before extract application.
    8. Always test the extract formulation on a few infected plants first before going into large scale spraying. When adding soap as an emulsifier, use a potash-based one.
    9. Wear protective clothing while applying the extract.
    10. Wash your hands after handling the extract.



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