How to properly treat an apple tree with copper sulphate in spring and autumn

Processing of apple trees with copper sulphate can be carried out 1-2 times per season. It is advisable to plan work for early spring and late autumn, when the tree has no leaves. The standard solution has a concentration of 3%, sometimes a diluted version of 1% is also prepared. The rules and terms of application are described in the article.

What is copper sulfate

Copper sulfate is a common preparation for processing apple trees, fruit trees and shrubs, as well as other agricultural and ornamental crops. Chemically, it is copper sulfate (CuSO₄). Powder of saturated blue color, it is well diluted with water, forming a solution of the same shade.

A solution of copper sulfate is used to treat apple trees as an antiseptic and fungicide. According to the type of action, it refers to contact preparations. Penetrates into spores, fruit bodies of fungi upon direct contact, disrupts metabolic processes, which leads to the death of pests.

Used in tank mixtures with various insecticides and fungicides. Copper sulfate is not phytotoxic, it will not harm the apple tree. But after processing some varieties, a “mesh” appears on the fruits and foliage. This phenomenon is observed only after flowering – spring processing of apple trees with copper sulphate is quite safe.

The drug belongs to low-toxic substances (class 3). It is not dangerous for humans and bees. Therefore, spraying can be carried out next to apiaries. But years of insects in the coming days is better to exclude.

The fungicide is affordable, has several important advantages:

• effective for preventive treatments and treatment;
• completely safe for the apple tree;
• protects against various diseases;
• affordable;
• can be applied to different cultures;
• convenient to prepare.

There are not so many disadvantages of copper sulfate, but they also exist. Processing is carried out only in dry weather. The solution does not penetrate into the tissues of the plant, it remains on the surface and is very easily washed off by rain. To prevent this, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid soap (per 10 liters of water).

The drug is used for processing only in early spring or late autumn. The rest of the time, he can burn the foliage. In summer, it is better to use safer fungicides or folk remedies.

Also among the conditional disadvantages can be called the fact that vitriol does not help in the fight against pests. To do this, you need to use effective insecticides.

The drug is produced in the form of a crystalline powder.

Is it possible and why to spray an apple tree with copper sulphate

First of all, the drug is used for prophylactic purposes. Experienced gardeners know that the treatment of apple trees with copper sulphate and other drugs is quite complicated. Many diseases, such as scab or powdery mildew, are treated for a very long time, in some cases they completely affect a seedling or tree, which is why it has to be uprooted.

The drug is effective for the prevention and treatment of plants from various fungal and bacterial infections: powdery mildew, mildew, moniliosis, scab, spotting.

Also, the treatment allows you to expel ticks and dangerous apple codling moths from the surface layer of the bark. It is noted that if spraying is carried out in early spring or late autumn, then most of the larvae and adult insects die (up to 70%). They hide under the bark, and with the onset of spring they come to the surface and eat the leaves. Therefore, preventive treatment helps to preserve the tree and the crop.

Less commonly, the drug is used to compensate for the deficiency of copper in the soil. In this case, you can carry out summer processing or water the soil with a weak solution (1% concentration).

What percentage of copper sulfate is suitable for spraying apple trees

Before you start spraying apple trees with copper sulphate in spring or autumn, you must clearly calculate the amount of the drug. The concentration depends on the purpose of application and the age of the apple tree:

1. The standard solution for spraying mature trees in early spring and late autumn is 3%, i.e. 300 g per 10 liters. This volume is enough for one medium-sized apple tree.
2. To saturate the soil with copper, it is recommended to use a liquid of the same concentration of 3% (it is watered around the trunk circle). Moreover, this procedure should be repeated infrequently – once every five years is enough.
3. For spraying young seedlings, the concentration is reduced to 1%, i.e. diluted in water 100 g per 10 liters.

How to dilute copper sulfate for apple processing

A solution is prepared for processing. The instruction is quite simple:

1. Prepare 1 liter of warm water (not scalding).
2. Wear gloves.
3. Measure the required amount of the drug on the scales.
4. Dilute in water, stirring constantly until completely dissolved.
5. Then bring to a total volume of 10 liters.
6. Mix again.
7. Pour into the spray tank and start spraying.

The finished solution should look like this

Also, the substance can be used to prepare Bordeaux mixture. To obtain a 3% working solution, take 300-400 g of lime and dissolve in cold water (2-3 l), then dilute to 5 l. The liquid is passed through gauze. Prepare separately a solution of copper sulfate (300 g per 2 liters of hot water). Then it is poured into lime in a thin stream, mixed and brought to 10 liters with water. The result is a sky blue solution. It is also used as an available fungicide.

How to process apple trees with copper sulphate

Basically, the processing of the apple trees themselves is carried out by spraying. Get a solution of the desired concentration and pour it into a spray bottle. Then spray liquid on all ground parts of the plant. For watering the soil, a conventional watering can is used. In order for the substance to be distributed over the entire area, the near-stem circle is watered evenly with a small stream.

Spraying apple trees with copper sulphate is carried out in spring and autumn. The main timelines are:

1. In the spring, work should begin even before the buds begin to bloom. At the same time, it is desirable that the temperature outside be consistently positive at least +5 degrees. For spraying use a standard solution with a concentration of 3%. Processing is carried out totally – the trunk, skeletal branches, all shoots.
2. Autumn processing of apple trees with copper sulphate is carried out in the middle, second half of October, when the crop is harvested and the leaves have fallen. Pre-stem circle is cleaned of litter and debris. A solution of 3% concentration is also used for processing. This is done in order to destroy the larvae of codling moths and ticks, which move for wintering under the bark of the apple tree. Also in the fall, it is recommended to whitewash the trunk to protect against rodents and add a 1% solution of the substance to it.

Also sometimes the trees are sprayed in the summer. Do this strictly in the period between the end of flowering and the beginning of fruit formation. Processing is done only with a lack of copper in the soil – to make up for the deficiency, it is enough to prepare a liquid with a concentration of 1%.

Processing begins in early spring

Safety measures

During the processing of apple tree trunks with copper sulphate, certain safety measures must be observed.

1. Despite the fact that the drug is of low toxicity, it is better to work with powder and solution with gloves. It will not be superfluous to use protective clothing to prevent liquid from getting on the body.
2. Do not drink, eat or smoke while working. The presence of children on the site should be excluded.
3. If the liquid gets on the body, wash with warm water and soap.
4. When sprayed into the eyes, they are washed under moderate pressure of running water.
5. If the solution is ingested, 8-10 tablets of activated charcoal should be taken, chewed and washed down with water. If there are signs of copper sulfate poisoning (nausea, vomiting, weakness), consult a doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Treatment of apple trees with copper sulphate is necessary for the prevention of fungal infections and some pests. To protect trees from diseases, it is recommended to spray young and adult trees every spring. If necessary, the treatment is repeated in late autumn.