The plans of every gardener include measures to prevent plants from fungal diseases... One of the most affordable treatments used for treatments is copper sulfate. The effectiveness of its use, instructions and rules for preparing a working solution from late blight will be discussed in this article.
In what cases do they resort to copper sulfate?
For many decades in a row, copper sulfate has not lost its relevance in gardening work. It is used to protect crops from fungal infections:
- scab;
- white spot;
- ascochitis;
- moniliosis;
- downy mildew;
- phytophthora and other diseases.
In addition to prophylactic purposes, the agent is used for foliar dressing. Plants growing on acidic, sandy or peaty soils are often deficient in copper. 1-2 treatments are enough to make up for the lack of trace elements in the soil.
Presowing work usually begins with soil disinfection. As an option in this case, use a solution of copper sulfate. Also, the agent acts as an antiseptic for wooden structures. Spraying the tree can help prevent mold or mildew growth. This method is often used by gardeners when arranging greenhouses or other garden structures.
It is better to use a fungicide in the spring and summer. It is not recommended to use it before winter, so as not to oversaturate the soil with copper ions.
Advantages and disadvantages of using
The main advantage of copper sulfate is that the active substances of the agent remain after spraying on the surface of the plant, without being absorbed into the greens and fruits. Thanks to this, it is possible to obtain a crop that is safe for human health. Other benefits include:
- simple technology use;
- accessible price;
- low toxicity (harmful substances decompose in a few days);
- when used correctly has no side effects;
- composition enriches plants iron;
- multiple treatments not addictive in fungi and bacteria.
The insecticide is scientifically effective against late blight due to its high copper content. It is also used in the production of other products for the garden and vegetable garden. Any arguments about the toxicity of a substance are only based on an unjustified increase in its dosage. The effect after proper treatment of the beds lasts for 2 weeks, and the action of the active components begins after a couple of hours.
Copper sulfate still has disadvantages, although the drug has been tested by several generations of gardeners. In the old days, when there was practically no choice of insecticides, the blue liquid was used in every household. It is not difficult to find an alternative now, especially since there are formulations based on biological substances on the market. Their use is considered absolutely safe, in contrast to a copper solution. It should also be remembered that the working fluid can burn out the plants or make the fruit unusable if you increase the portion of the crystalline powder.
Copper sulfate is used for the prevention of diseases and cannot replace full-fledged treatment with narrow-acting drugs.
Instructions for use for tomatoes and other plants
To prepare the working solution, it is necessary to dissolve the blue crystals in water. The agent in the amount of 50 grams is first diluted in a small amount of liquid, then, after thorough mixing, the total volume is brought to 5 liters. The properties of the active substances are maintained throughout the day. Dissolved vitriol cannot be stored for a long time, therefore, it is recommended to prepare a new portion immediately before use.
The presence of toxins obliges you to take safety measures when spraying liquid:
- spray away from water bodies and livestock;
- if there are bees, do not let them out of the hives on the day of work.
Plants need to be processed in the evening or early morning in dry weather. If there is a threat of precipitation, it is better to postpone the work to another day (the effect disappears if it rains for 4 hours).
Experienced gardeners are advised to carry out measures for the prevention of late blight in several stages.
- The first stage is carried out at the stage of preparing the soil for sowing seedlings... The soil is moistened with a sprayer with a 3% solution of copper sulfate. This must be done once.
- The second stage is carried out at the stage of picking seedlings... One day before transferring the seedlings to separate containers, the soil is moistened with 1% copper-based solution. You should not use a more concentrated liquid, as it can have a depressing effect on plants.
- The third stage involves watering the holes when planting seedlings in the garden... Consumption rate: 1 liter per 1 hole. Later, plants at the stage of fruit formation are sprayed with Bordeaux liquid. The concentration of copper sulfate for the green part of crops should not exceed 0.1-0.2%, otherwise burns may appear on the leaves.
Safety measures when working with the tool
When working with copper sulfate, it is necessary to wear gloves and glasses to protect the skin and mucous membranes from direct contact with the solution. During processing, do not consume food and water, as well as smoke. If the product comes into contact with open areas of the skin or mucous membranes, it is recommended to immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of water.
The insecticide belongs to the 3rd hazard class, which indicates a low level of toxicity when used in small quantities. Therefore, when preparing the working solution, you should adhere to the indicated dosage so that the fruits do not accumulate toxins in themselves.
An insecticide is a chemical, therefore when using it on the farm, you should adhere to some rules:
- you need to dilute the solution in a non-metallic container;
- for the quality performance of the procedure, use a brush with soft long bristles or a spray bottle;
- diluted the composition retains its properties for only 5-6 hours;
- during spraying protect access to animals and children;
- store a remedy needed in lockers out of the reach of children and animals.
Reviews of gardeners on the fight against late blight on tomatoes with copper sulfate
Alexey Petrovich, 53 years old.For several years in a row I have been growing tomatoes without facing the problem of late blight. I use copper sulfate at least 3 times per season. The first time, when I disinfect the seeds, the second time, 1 liter per hole before planting seedlings, the third time before flowering as a foliar feeding.
Anastasia, 36 years old. Before each planting, I water the soil with a solution of copper sulfate, but the tomatoes are still affected by late blight. I prepare the product correctly, I adhere to watering norms. Maybe I missed something else or copper sulfate is not so effective?
Timur, 46 years old. Copper sulfate in the household is the first assistant. In the greenhouse, all disinfection is carried out with a blue liquid, the earth is also disinfected with it. And I keep the seeds in a weak solution before sowing. Tomatoes are obtained one to one, without signs of late blight.
Vladlen Vitalievich, 51 years old. I have been using copper sulfate for gardening work for over 30 years. I have never purchased drugs based on chemicals because of distrust and unwillingness to poison the fruits. And with a copper solution I disinfect the soil for seedlings and in the beds before planting, and I process the greenhouse in the spring. The best helper is hard to find. It copes with late blight of tomatoes just as wonderfully as with other tasks. Recommend!
Sophia, 49 years old. I was terrified when, after the rain, I found brown spots on ripening tomatoes. I did not want to be left without a crop, I turned to a neighbor in the country for help. She advised to treat the bed twice with a solution of copper sulfate. The tool did an excellent job with the problem. On the farm, as it turned out, the copper-containing preparation is an irreplaceable thing.
When using several types of insecticides at once, remember that copper sulfate is incompatible with drugs decomposed in an alkaline environment (for example, organophosphates).