{"id":34235,"date":"2025-08-14T11:11:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T11:11:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rovensanext.co.za\/?p=34235"},"modified":"2025-08-14T11:59:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T11:59:20","slug":"coprwet-in-action-the-prevention-of-powdery-mildew-on-cucurbits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rovensanext.co.za\/en-za\/news\/articles\/coprwet-in-action-the-prevention-of-powdery-mildew-on-cucurbits\/","title":{"rendered":"COPRWET\u2122 in Action – The Prevention of Powdery Mildew on Cucurbits"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cucurbits and their challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cucurbits play an essential role in agriculture worldwide, contributing to the economy due to their cultivation in both small-scale and commercial farming. The adaptability of cucurbits to different climatic and growing conditions further enhances their importance, contributing to global food security and economic stability in the agricultural sector. The production of cucurbits is, however, not without challenges, with numerous diseases responsible for the considerable decline in the growth and yield of these crops.<\/p>\n

Powdery mildew is a prevalent fungal disease that affects many different crops, leading to substantial yield and economic losses. This disease is caused by various fungal species such as Podosphaera xanthii<\/em> and Erysiphe cichoracearum<\/em>, and is characterized by the appearance of white, powdery spots on the leaves, stems, and fruit of affected plants. As the disease progresses, it weakens the plant by reducing photosynthesis, stunting growth, leading to premature leaf drop, and shortening the ripening and harvesting periods (Zhang et al<\/em>., 2021). This, in turn, decreases the quality and yield of the crop.<\/p>\n

The application of fungicides is often the reliable solution that growers turn to as a control measure against fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.<\/p>\n

The use of copper as a fungicide<\/strong><\/p>\n

While copper (Cu) compounds have revolutionized crop protection, their continuous and frequent use has also raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of crop protection. This is due to the impact of Cu-based compounds that may affect factors such as soil fertility and groundwater due to their intensive use, leading to Cu-accumulation over time (Lamichhane et al<\/em>., 2018). Furthermore, the application of these products, such as copper sulphate and copper nitrate, or spraying highly acidic solutions (pH below 5.5), can result in phytotoxicity (Behlau et al.<\/em> 2017). Due to the many constraints of different Cu-based formulations, the use of less soluble types of Cu, such as copper hydroxide and copper oxychloride, is encouraged.<\/p>\n

COPRWET\u2122\u2019s Cure for Cucurbit Conundrums<\/strong><\/p>\n

COPRWET\u2122\u00a0 is a suspension concentrate, contact fungicide containing 300g\/L copper oxychloride (CuOCl) as the active ingredient.<\/p>\n

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Copper oxychloride slowly releases copper ions, which are toxic to fungi and bacteria. The copper ions disrupt essential cellular processes in pathogens, inhibiting spore germination and fungal growth.<\/p>\n

What makes COPRWET\u2122 a significant fungicide?<\/strong><\/p>\n