Effects of Cuprous Oxide (Copper) on the Growth and Mineral Composition of Coffee Seedlings Grown in Nutrient Solutions

Abstract

Copper fungicides are used frequently on Coffea arabica L. in Kenya to control coffee berry disease (Colletotrichum coffeanul1l Noack) and leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix Berk. and Br.) and sometimes as "tonic sprays" for leaf retention. Cuprous oxide sprays, containing about 50 percent copper, are particularly recommended for leaf rust control when applied before the onset of the long and short rains (Griffiths 1970; Wallis and Firman 1967; Vermeulen and Patwa 1966).