Re-spray copper after so much rain?

14 years ago

This year, my apple trees seem to be running about 2.5 weeks ahead of their bud times from last year due to the very warm early-mid march weather. I did my dormant copper/oil/deer spray 2 days ago because I was seeing quite a few green tips, and even a few 1/4" green tips, and I was finally safe on the no-oil-below-40-degrees window. I knew rain was coming 12 hours later, but I didnÂt want to hold off another 3-4 days because IÂm worried about copper being sprayed after green tip. But, now, weÂre getting record flooding. TheyÂve now declared this part of RI a disaster area and closed many schools because of all the rain. After already saturated ground, we got 4" yesterday and another 2" today. So, my question is, after all of that, should I re-spray? Should I have not sprayed in the first place? IÂm using 1.5 tbsp/gal Kocide 3000 and 4 tbsp/gallon oil. I'm a little worried about re-spraying as I simply want to keep copper buildup in the soil to a minimum. Thanks,

-Glenn

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Comments (10)

mjmarco
14 years ago
glen
I hope all is well with you. After seeing the national news and depending were you live are you and your trees under water?
glenn_russell
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi MjMarco-
Nope, my trees aren't underwater, but the ground is 100% saturated. This is one time I'm happy to not have a basement! Many roads are impassible and closed. Some culverts have actually been blown out leaving just a trench through the road. Earlier they said it was the worst flooding in 55 years, and the Pawtuxet river is somewhere between 100 year flood level and 500 year flood level. Almost everyone I know has water in basement... from 2" to 4'. Geez. Thanks for asking! -Glenn
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Scott F Smith
14 years ago
Glenn, I almost never re-spray dormant spray but I also add a ton of nufilm to my dormant copper which glues it on. I can still see the bluish copper on my peaches. My suggestion is to go look at the wood and if you can see that bluish tint still then hold off, otherwise respray.

I am going to start on the apples today I hope since our weather has finally cleared for a stretch.

Scott
olpea
14 years ago
Hi Glenn,

I agree with Scott. I had copper residue still on the trees this Spring from a fall application. But, we didn't get a monsoon. Sounds like quite a mess you're having.

Olpea
glenn_russell
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi Scott and Olpea-
Sounds like good advice. I think I may be still seeing a slight blueish hue, but it's a big hard to tell as I did use less copper this year. (1.5 tbsp instead of 2). I've included the label info below from my notes. My trees are all somewhere between green tip, 1/4 green, and just a few 1/2 green tips. No tight clusters yet. The Immunox sprays will help with the scab, so I'm more concerned with FB. I did get some FB strikes last year, but they really weren't a big deal. Still debating on what to do. Thanks again, -Glenn

Kocide label: "Make application between silver-tip and green-tip. Apply as a full cover spray for early season disease suppression. NOTE: Moderate to severe crop injury may occur from late application; discontinue use when green-tip reaches 1/2 inch
olpea
14 years ago
Hi Glenn,

Since you are trying to protect against fireblight, it won't be long before you need to do another spray anyway, so I guess I'd say reapply.

My rule: unless you live in the desert, never finish a basement.
glenn_russell
Original Author
14 years ago
Hi Olpea-
Actually, this was my one/only/last spray to protect against FB. I'm not supposed to spray copper after 1/2" green tip. Do you mean some other spray?

When I was looking for a house, I was very aware of flood plains... I was happy to find a house where I wouldn't have to worry about it. A buddy of mine went over to my parents house today with a 1" diameter input pump, and pumped 6" of water out of the basement a 2500 sq foot colonial in about a hour. Previously the sump pump had just been treading water. Good deal.

-Glenn
olpea
14 years ago
"Actually, this was my one/only/last spray to protect against FB. I'm not supposed to spray copper after 1/2" green tip. Do you mean some other spray?

Naw, you mentioned your latest buds were at 1/4" green. With all the weather you've got, I doubt your trees have advanced much, so I'd go ahead and spray again.

I've done the pumping of the basement gig before. When we sold the farm and moved to this raised ranch, I figured it would be hard to flood. Indeed, my neighbors have had flood problems. Still these stairs are hard to manage as you get older and your knees start aching. I guess the best thing is to do without a basement.

But then the tornadoes will take you away. I guess you can't win.

Olpea
olpea
14 years ago
Glenn,

As an addendum to my last post, I missed it before, but now see you are now at 1/2" green. Sorry about that. You should still be safe with a copper spray and would probably be a good idea since it's your only/last FB spray.
glenn_russell
Original Author
14 years ago
You 'da man Olpea! I'll spray tomorrow. Thanks again for your assistance! -Glenn
P.S. And the weather is looking nice for at least a week. *whew*!

Re-spray copper after so much rain?

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Re-spray copper after so much rain?

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