{"id":34254,"date":"2025-08-14T14:13:27","date_gmt":"2025-08-14T14:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rovensanext.co.za\/?p=34254"},"modified":"2025-08-14T14:17:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T14:17:00","slug":"coprwet-in-action-preventing-late-blight-on-tomatoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rovensanext.co.za\/en-za\/news\/articles\/coprwet-in-action-preventing-late-blight-on-tomatoes\/","title":{"rendered":"COPRWET\u2122 in Action: Preventing Late Blight on Tomatoes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Late blight, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans<\/em>, is a significant disease affecting tomato crops globally. This disease can lead to substantial yield losses, sometimes up to 100% under favorable conditions (Kesho Sako & Tadesse, 2023; Mazumdar et al<\/em>. 2021).<\/p>\n

Late blight is characterized by small, dark lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits, which become water-soaked and chlorotic, eventually leading to necrosis. The pathogen infects the entire plant, making it particularly challenging to manage (Mazumdar et al<\/em>. 2021).<\/p>\n

The development of late blight is influenced by environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature, as well as farming practices like monoculture and the use of susceptible cultivars (Kesho Sako & Tadesse, 2023). The pathogen’s ability to rapidly evolve and overcome host resistance further complicates control efforts (Mazumdar et al<\/em>. 2021).<\/p>\n

Effective management of late blight involves integrating resistant tomato varieties with appropriate fungicide applications. Ongoing research aims to develop integrated disease management (IDM) strategies with minimal chemical inputs (Kesho Sako & Tadesse, 2023).<\/p>\n

There is a need for further understanding of the molecular interactions between P. infestans<\/em> and tomato plants to develop more effective resistance strategies (Mazumdar et al<\/em>. 2021). Additionally, improving research-extension-farmer linkages is crucial for the successful transfer of crop protection technologies (Kesho Sako & Tadesse, 2023).<\/p>\n

Late blight remains a major threat to tomato production globally. Continued research and development of sustainable management practices are essential to mitigate their impact on tomato crops (Kesho Sako & Tadesse, 2023; Mazumdar et al<\/em>. 2021).<\/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 raised concerns about the long-term sustainability. This is due to the impact of Cu-based compounds on factors such as soil fertility and groundwater, resulting from Cu accumulation over time due to intensive use (Lamichhane et al., 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. 2017). Due to 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 tackles tomato late blight<\/strong><\/p>\n

COPRWET\u2122 is a suspension concentrate and contact fungicide containing 300g\/L copper oxychloride as its 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 distinguishes COPRWET\u2122 as a fungicide?<\/strong><\/p>\n