Is it a good idea to premix & keep Bonide copper in a container ready to use?

[sbarnhardt]

The title of this post sums up my question.

Is there anything that anyone knows of that would preclude mixing a quantity of Bonide copper fungicide in say a handheld spray bottle and keeping it on hand for as needed use? It sure would be a lot more convenient than having to mix it each and every time I need it. It would seem to me that would be no different than Bonide selling it in a ready-to-use bottle unless there's something they do to stabilize/process it for a shelf life. I pulled up the MSDS for it on Bonide's website and there was nothing about it one way or the other. Just the normal, run-of-the-mill health warnings. So, I'd like to pick the collective brains of all you learned folks to see what the voice of experience says about this!

Thanks

Barney in NC

 

[GrimLore]

I purchase 1 bottle of pre mix and 1 of concentrate. When the premix is used up I mix the concentrate in the empty sprayer until the concentrate is gone and repurchase both. I do the same with Insecticidal Soap. I like the Bonide spray bottles and this way they are in a properly labeled container. I also premix Malathion in a few different strengths for various applications in inexpensive 32 oz calibrated sprayers and a 1 gallon pump sprayer and label them myself. I never recall having a problem or needing to add anything additional to the mix(s). I store all in the shed during the Spring and Summer and inside during the Winter so they do not freeze. Works for me

Grimmy

 

[Poink88]

Little experience here but I do mix and use what ever is left as I need them. Usually a batch is used up in a week though. Whether the later used portion is ineffective already is unknown to me.

Follow-up question, can you mix the regular Bonide anti-fungal with their copper anti-fungal in the same spray mix? I am thinking it will be a wider range application done at once.

 

[sbarnhardt]

Follow-up question, can you mix the regular Bonide anti-fungal with their copper anti-fungal in the same spray mix? I am thinking it will be a wider range application done at once.

Good question! I'll be watching for answers to this myself.

 

[GrimLore]

If I had to use more then one fungicide on the same plant I would be more prone to alternating applications rather then mixing them. I really "think" that would lessen the chance of tolerance building up if that even happens. I just use copper and have not needed another.

Grimmy

 

[DougB]

As an X master gardener I wish I had a penny for every time I would caution folks to "read the label", to "never mix chemicals (except as directed by competent directions)", and "never, never put chemicals in unmarked or poorly marked containers". I know all of you are well aware of these, but let an old man have his say one last time.

Thanks and I'm sure you-all will heed the advise.

 

[Dirty Nails]

Is the Copper a good for all trees?

 

[GrimLore]

Is the Copper a good for all trees?

I do not have to use it a lot but it works well on all Fruit trees at my place. Had to use it on Roses at the other place as well. Never had a bad result. The label and instructions have a pretty detailed list and includes trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. I do cover the substrate when I spray to avoid having to much in it(probably overkill). Never needed to or have I tried it on Tropicals. If something is not on a label you can call them and/or contact your State Test Site.

Grimmy

 

[Cadillactaste]

I do not have to use it a lot but it works well on all Fruit trees at my place. Had to use it on Roses at the other place as well. Never had a bad result. The label and instructions have a pretty detailed list and includes trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. I do cover the substrate when I spray to avoid having to much in it(probably overkill). Never needed to or have I tried it on Tropicals. If something is not on a label you can call them and/or contact your State Test Site.

Grimmy

I just assumed...that if it wasn't on the list for the stronger doses...then the original dose per gallon pertains to them. Not so then? I know on my bottle...it states what to mix per gallon...and then it lists fruit,vegetables, and other things such as roses that me a stronger dose mix.

Edit: I have three strengths of liquid copper fungicide premixed. Bottles premarked.