Processing grapes with copper sulfate in spring
After winter, the weather is not always stable. Jumping temperatures create favorable conditions for the development of fungal diseases. The processing of grapes with copper sulfate in spring is one of the main points of care at this stage of cultural development. This procedure helps to save the harvest.
Processing grapes with copper sulfate in spring
About copper sulfate
In another way, the agent is called "copper sulfate". It is a protective contact fungicide in the form of powder or crystals, has a blue or blue color. The substance is toxic, therefore it poses a threat to human health. It causes irritation of the mucous membranes, bronchial cough, nosebleeds. If it comes into contact with the skin, wash it off with plenty of running water.
Features of the
When spraying, copper sulfate does not penetrate into the plant, but covers it with a film. It has antiseptic, disinfecting and fireproof properties. Sprinkling grapes in spring with copper sulfate is a very important and demanded procedure. It is used for prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. One of the advantages of the tool is its availability.
If used incorrectly, copper sulfate can harm the plant. In its pure form, the drug is not used, and its exceeded concentration in the solution is capable of provoking burns on the culture, therefore, the recommendations for its operation are strictly followed and the processing times are observed. When copper sulfate gets into the soil in excess, its fertility decreases. This is bad for the yield indicators.
Application area
Copper sulfate is used:
- as a constituent component of fertilizers;
- for disinfection of the earth.
Fungicide-based preparations contain substances that reduce the toxicity of the agent, but do not reduce its beneficial properties. The high acidity of the substance is neutralized by adding hot water to it. Laundry soap is also added to the solution, which ensures its adhesion to the plants.
Bordeaux liquid
In the spring, you can treat grapes with copper sulfate in the Bordeaux liquid. It is prepared in different proportions:
- strong 3%: add 300 g of copper sulfate, 400 g of slaked lime to 1 bucket of water;
- sparing 1%: add 100 g of substance, 100 g of lime to 1 bucket of water.
To prepare the mixture, take a wooden, glass or plastic container, but not metal. First, the fungicide is diluted in a small amount of hot water, then cold water is added. The resulting liquid is slowly poured into the milk of lime. But not vice versa.
The solution is insisted for 3-4 hours, stirring regularly. If this is not done, heavy lime will settle to the bottom and pull copper sulfate with it.
Such a remedy, when used, harms plants. It can burn the vine. Do not add water or other antifungal agents to the finished liquid. The prepared mixture is filtered before use.
Spring processing time
Copper sulfate from pests
Vine manipulations are performed as soon as the bush wakes up after winter. The processing of grapes in spring with copper sulfate is carried out in 3 stages:
- In early spring, before the buds swell. The first time is sprayed until the greenery appears. In the southern regions it is mid-March, at other times it is calculated according to the climatic conditions of the area. Take into account the time when the grapes are removed from the shelter.
- When warm days come, when insects become active. It is often referred to as a backup. You can spray with a fungicide regardless of weather conditions.
- During the flowering period.
It is worth processing on dry, windy days. The day should be overcast so that the sun's rays do not provoke burns on wood and leaves. For this reason, the evening time is chosen for spraying. The use of the drug will not give the desired result if it rains immediately after the treatment. Do not reuse the product, otherwise the content of copper sulfate in the soil will be too high.
The substance gives effect 2-4 hours after treatment. If the ambient temperature is about 15 ° C, the agent will last up to 12 days. If the indicators rise to 25 ° C, then the period is reduced to 7 days.
How to spray
Before treating grapes with copper sulfate in the spring, in order to prevent diseases, the following actions are taken:
- remove plant residues from the surface of the earth: pathogenic bacteria, various kinds of fungi and pests often hibernate in them;
- disinfect the ground with a fungicide solution;
- produce sanitary crop pruning.
It is possible to process the plant for the first time with a solution of copper sulfate. At this stage, no additives are added to it that reduce the acidity of the substance. The tool is prepared using the following components:
- 50-100 g of copper sulfate;
- 1 bucket of water;
- 100-150 g of crushed laundry soap.
First, the blue powder is diluted in water. The result is a concentrated solution of a deep blue hue. Then add the remaining amount of liquid. The solution is used freshly prepared, it is not worth storing it. The soil and vines are thoroughly sprayed, moving from the bottom up. If obvious signs of the disease are visible, the product is also used to lubricate the lower parts of the trunks and shoots. After this procedure, the plants acquire a blue tint.
The second spraying of grapes with copper sulfate is carried out using a 3% Bordeaux mixture. During the growing season, they are treated with the same agent, but its concentration should be 1%. Burgundy liquid, which includes copper sulfate and soda ash, also produces an effective effect on the culture.
Iron vitriol processing
The drug is widely used in horticulture, since it is enriched with iron in the form inherent in plants. Its application is similar to spraying with copper sulfate. The processing of grapes with iron vitriol in spring differs only in the type of liquid and its preparation. After removing the insulating layer for young plants, the drug is used in the following dosage: 50 g of substance per 1 bucket of water (0.5% solution). For older vines, the concentration is doubled: they have a thicker peel. The drug creates a protective film on the bush. With the help of spraying, you can achieve the following results:
- protect plants from diseases and pests;
- fertilize them.
The culture after processing blooms 14 days later than other bushes. In order for it to develop better, plant cuttings are sprayed. Then callus and small roots are formed on the lower sections, and the buds have not yet blossomed. Spraying grapes with iron vitriol in early spring must be done before they swell. If the treatment was not done on time and green leaves have already blossomed on the vine, the use of the drug is postponed: during this period of culture development, the agent will harm it.
Conclusion
The treatment of grapes in the spring for diseases and pests with copper sulfate is necessary for its good growth, the formation of healthy and high-quality bunches of berries and the prevention of fungal spores.
This procedure is also performed in the autumn in order to protect the crop. Following all the recommendations for the timing and dosage of the drug, you can achieve high yields.