Copper-based fungicides

Reducing copper-based fungicide use in organic crop production systems... 

In the European Union (EU) replacement of copper-based fungicides with other methods of disease control is a priority in organic farming policy (Anonymous, 2002). They were due to be prohibited by law for use in organic farming in the EU from March 2002 but the ban was delayed because of the increased risk of crop diseases and associated economic losses for organic producers in the medium to long term, until effective alternative... 

Crop protection with copper-based fungicides in organic production systems... 

Table 18.1 Examples of crop diseases treated with copper-based fungicides (based on Gianessi and Puffer, 1992 and British Crop Protection Council, 2004)... 

Effects of copper-based fungicides on crop growth, the environment and food safety... 

Crop protection without copper-based fungicides... 

Copper concentrations in air, soil, water, sediments, and other abiotic materials are elevated as a result of human activities, especially near copper smelters and mines, urban areas, municipal and industrial wastewater outfalls, marinas containing copper-based antifouling paints, and agricultural soils receiving prolonged applications of copper-based fungicides (Table 3.2). Maximum copper... 

Prevention and Control Avoid anthracnose on vegetables by selecting resistant cultivars (when available), buying healthy transplants, planting in well-drained soil, and not touching plants when they re wet. Remove and destroy infected plants. Spraying with a copper-based fungicide may provide some protection. 

Prevention and Control Downy mildew thrives during cool, moist weather. Control downy mildew on your plants by promoting drying (through pruning and site selection) and growing resistant cultivars. Plant disease-free seeds and bulbs. Remove and destroy badly infected leaves. Sprays of bordeaux mix or other copper-based fungicides may reduce the spread of the disease. 

Prevention and Control Clean up plant debris to remove overwintering sites. Use disease-free seeds and seed potatoes. Rotate crops and plant resistant cultivars. Preventive copper-based fungicide sprays may help reduce the spread of early blight. Remove and destroy severely infected plants. 

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