Here in the Pacific Northwest, long stretches of cool, wet weather create the perfect conditions for fungal diseases and other bacterial pressures. Leaf curl, scab, blight and canker are familiar challenges when growing fruit trees. This post walks you through best-tips when applying liquid Copper, how to do it, and when it is most effect. We hope this helps!
Protect Your Fruit Trees from Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
Applying a Liquid Copper fungicide is one of our suggested way to protect your fruit trees from bacterial and fungal diseases. Most Copper fungicides are OMRI-rated and are approved for use in organic settings.
*Be sure to check the label of the specific product you’re using, as instructions and dilution rates will vary depending on the brand, formulation, and what you’re treating.
Application
Apply copper with a backpack or pump sprayer during the dormant season (late fall to early spring), after leaves have fallen, and before bud swell. Choose a dry day with no rain or frost expected for at least 24 hours. Temperatures should ideally be above 40°F (4°C) with low wind for even application. Cover the tree entirely, including buds, stems, and trunk.
Some trees may benefit from a second or third application in late winter before bud break, especially in areas with wet winters or persistent disease pressure, like the Pacific Northwest.
Copper vs Neem
Copper fungicide is preventative, acting on bacterial and fungal pathogens during the winter months before they cause problems for your tree. It acts as a protectant, not a cure, by creating a protective barrier on the tree’s surface before fungal spores can gain a foothold.
Neem oil, another OMRI-rated product often listed as an organic fungicide, is most effective against fungal spores that are just beginning to develop. This makes neem oil most useful as a preventative treatment for mild fungal issues, rather than a solution for heavy disease pressure. Neem Oil in the garden is typically most beneficial in treating pests.
Need Help?
Our team of horticulture experts are always happy to assist! Reach out to us: info@onegreenworld.com
Or give us a call at 1-877-353-4028.