Copper sprays are used in many horticultural industries to protect foliage and fruit from a range of diseases. Successful disease control depends on both an even distribution, and good retention of the copper across all plant surfaces. Copper is most effective on those diseases that need water present to develop—such as Psa-V. Click on the link below for more information.

• KVH Information Sheet: Copper spray information
• Improving spray coverage of copper on kiwifruit buds, Plant Protection Chemistry New Zealand—pictorial
• KVH Best Practice Advice: Managing resistance to Psa control products
• KVH Protocol: Orchards showing resistance to Psa control products
• KVH Information Sheet: Kiwifruit leaf phytotoxicity effects

Bactericides have very strict use conditions. Misuse of  bactericides can result in fruit residue and/or resistance developing.  Always refer to the User Guides. Bactericides should always be used in a spray programme with other recommended products with different modes of action. Alternate between bactericides to minimise risk of resistance. Bactericides should only be used in high-risk situations and where Psa-V is present.

• For rules around the use of bactericides click here
• KVH Best Practice Advice: Management to limit resistance to Psa control products
• KVH Protocol: Orchards showing resistance to Psa control products
• KeyStrepto User Guide - 2017
• Kasumin User Guide - 2018
• Kasumin Site Inspection Record
• Keystrepto Site Inspection Record

Elicitors are products that induce the plants defence mechanisms allowing them to fight infection. Generally, there is a time delay between the spray application and the elicitor effect being activated. The effect is relatively short term requiring additional applications. Knowing beforehand when an infection will happen and applying the elicitor appropriately is likely to be the key to success. Use Elicitors carefully as overuse can induce the plants to shut down resulting in decreased plant growth.

• Actigard™ Technote March 2019

Biological control agents are more suited to use where disease risk is lower. Their mode of action is the same as copper sprays; acting as a protectant. They can provide this in a number of ways including:

• occupying the sites the pathogen would normally reside in;
• competing against the pathogen for food; and
• producing anti-bacterial compounds that kill the pathogen.

The specific mode of action of CPPU products is unknown. There is a time delay between the spray application and the CPPU effect being activated. Apply before leaf spot symptoms are seen. No efficacy in reducing flower bud loss. 

• CPPU User Guide - 2016