If you have been farming tomatoes for more than a season, you have likely seen the dreaded “Blue Powder” in every agro-shop. Copper Fungicide (often sold as Copper Oxychloride or Blue Copper) is one of the oldest and most trusted weapons in a farmer’s arsenal.
But is it safe for your plants? And exactly how much should you put in the tank?
In this guide, we detail copper fungicide uses for tomatoes, the correct dosage per liter, and why it is the best defense against wet-weather diseases.
Why Use Copper Fungicide on Tomatoes?
Copper is a “Contact Fungicide.” This means it does not enter the plant system; instead, it sits on the leaf surface like a shield. When fungal spores or bacteria land on the leaf, the copper ions kill them instantly.
It is highly effective against the two biggest killers in tomato farming:
- Early Blight: The fungus Alternaria solani that causes bullseye rings on leaves.
- Bacterial Speck & Spot: Unlike most chemical fungicides, Copper is one of the few treatments that actually kills bacteria as well as fungi.
Copper Fungicide Dosage per Liter
Getting the dose right is critical. If you spray too little, it won’t work. If you spray too much, you risk “Phytotoxicity” (burning the leaves).
It is crucial to adhere to the recommended dosage to prevent phytotoxicity (leaf burn).
According to the Vikaspedia (Government of India) Tomato Guide, maintaining the correct concentration of fungicides like Copper Oxychloride (Blitox) is essential for effective disease management without harming the tender tomato seedlings.
| Application Method | Recommended Dosage |
|---|---|
| Preventive Spray | 2.5 grams per liter of water |
| Curative (Disease Present) | 3 grams per liter of water |
| Acre Dose | 500 grams in 200 liters of water |
Warning: Do not mix Copper Fungicide with acidic products (like Humic Acid or certain antibiotics) as this can release copper ions too fast and burn the plant.
When to Spray Copper Fungicide on Tomatoes?
Timing is everything. Since copper is a preventive shield, you must apply it before the disease spreads uncontrollably.
- The “3-Leaf” Stage: Give a light spray (2g/L) when seedlings are in the nursery to protect from Damping Off.
- Pre-Monsoon: Spray immediately after the first rain. Rain splashes soil onto lower leaves, which is how Early Blight starts.
- Post-Rain: If it rains for 2-3 days continuously, the copper layer washes off. You must re-apply as soon as the leaves dry.
Best Copper Fungicide Brands in India
While the technical name is Copper Oxychloride 50% WP, farmers know it by these popular brand names:
- Blitox (Tata Rallis)
- Blue Copper (Syngenta)
- Fytolan
Safety Tips: Avoiding “Copper Burn”
Copper can be harsh on soft tissue. To avoid burning your tomato crop:
- Don’t spray in hot sun: Apply only in the early morning or late evening.
- Don’t spray on blossoms: Heavy copper deposits can kill tomato pollen, leading to flower drop. Avoid heavy spraying during peak flowering.
- Check the pH: Ensure your water pH is neutral (around 7) before mixing.
However, copper acts primarily as a preventive shield. If your tomato crop is already suffering from a severe mixed infection of both bacterial spot and fungal blight, a simple contact fungicide might not be enough to stop the spread.
In such cases, you may need a specialized dual-action formula. For severe outbreaks, we recommend checking our guide on Conika fungicide uses in tomato crop to learn about a stronger bactericide-fungicide combination.
Conclusion
Copper fungicide for tomatoes is the cheapest and most reliable way to keep your crop green during the rainy season. It handles both fungal and bacterial threats, making it a “must-spray” for every Indian farmer.
However, if your crop is already suffering from a severe infection of both bacteria and fungus, simple copper might not be enough. You may need a specialized combination product.
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