Copper fertilizers in fertilization of grapes

Abstract

Copper has a historical role in the cultivation of vines. Copper or copper sulphate is the first fungicide that was used against Downy mildew disease. However, in addition to the importance of copper as a fungicide, copper is also an important trace element for vines. It plays an important role in the synthesis of numerous enzymes and the synthesis and activity of the chlorophyll molecule. On historic vineyard soils, where there is a high amount of copper in the soil, there is no occurrence of copper deficiency in the vine leaf. Copper deficiency can often occur on carbonate (lime) soils, on soils with a high amount of phosphorus in the soil and on new vineyard sites, where there was no previous cultivation of vines. For copper fertilization of grapes, fertilizers containing copper in the form of chelates (Cu-EDTA) or gluconates (Cu-gluconate) are used, because inorganic forms of copper have no effect in grape fertilization. When applying copper fertilizers, it is necessary to take care of the dose of application, because high amounts of copper in the plant can cause a phytotoxic effect.

Keywords

• fertilization
• grapes
• copper