Hydrocop
Multi-site copper protection — the resistance-management anchor of any programme.
Hydrocop is a protective fungicide based on copper hydroxide at 50%. Copper attacks fungal cells at many sites simultaneously rather than one, which is why after more than a century of use no meaningful resistance has developed against it — and why it belongs in every spray programme that also relies on single-site chemistry. It forms a protective film on the leaf surface that stops spores germinating, so it must be applied before infection, not after.
Characteristics
- Multi-site activity — no practical resistance risk after a century of use
- The anchor product for resistance management alongside systemic fungicides
- Broad disease label: peacock spot, downy mildew, early and late blight, leaf curl, shot hole, citrus dieback
- Protective film persists on the leaf surface
- Also has secondary bactericidal activity
- FRAC Group M1
How it works
Copper ions released from the hydroxide bind to sulphydryl groups in fungal enzymes and denature their proteins, disrupting respiration and membrane function at many points at once. Because the product is not absorbed into the plant, it protects only the tissue it covers — new growth needs a new application. FRAC Group M1.
Dosing
| Crop | Target disease | Dose | PHI (days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olive | Peacock spot (Spilocaea oleagina) | 175 g/100 L water | 14 |
| Vineyard | Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) | 200 g/100 L water | 14 |
| Tomato | Early blight (Alternaria solani) | 200 g/100 L water | 14 |
| Tomato | Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) | 150 g/ha | 14 |
| Apricot | Shot hole / leaf curl in stone fruits (Wilsonomyces carpophilus) | 1st: 400 g/100 L; 2nd: 200 g/100 L; 3rd: 200 g/100 L water | 14 |
| Potato | Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) | 200 g/ha | 14 |
| Peach | Leaf curl (Taphrina deformans) | 300 g/100 L water | - |
| Citrus | Phoma tracheiphila (twig dieback) | 200 g/100 L water | 14 |
Doses are indicative. The user is responsible for adjusting the dose to the growth stage of the crop and the conditions of the field. Apply under the guidance of an agricultural technician. Composition, method of application and dose may vary between countries for climatic, technical or legal reasons.
Application
How to apply
Olive peacock spot: first application just before autumn shoots appear; second when flower buds become noticeable, before the flowers open. Vineyard downy mildew: first at 25-30 cm shoot length, then every 15 days while temperature, rainfall, humidity and dew favour infection; stop once conditions no longer do. Peach leaf curl: a single application as buds start to swell. Apricot shot hole: first immediately after leaf fall in autumn, second at the pink bud stage before flowers open, third when calyx leaves and stamens are shed from the fruit tip. Potato late blight: start when humidity favours infection or symptoms appear nearby, repeat at 10-day intervals. Tomato early blight: start at the first spots, in nursery and field, repeat at 10-day intervals.
Compatibility
DO NOT mix with any solution below pH 6.5 — phytotoxic burning will occur. Use alone; do not mix with phosphorous-acid fungicides without adjusting pH. Conduct a small-scale test if a mixture is intended.
Always carry out a compatibility test before preparing a tank mixture.
Safety and handling
Causes skin irritation and serious eye damage. Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Toxic to fish and to bees — do not apply during flowering, do not contaminate rivers or water sources. Do not re-enter treated fields for 3 days. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Read the label before use. Do not use at home. Keep away from children, food and animal feed. Use only as recommended and at the recommended dose.
Plant protection product
This page is technical information, not an offer of sale. Availability and registration status vary by territory. Always read and follow the approved product label before use.
