An assessment of the non-target effects of copper on the leaf arthropod community in a vineyard

In this study, we simultaneously monitored the direct effect of Bordeaux mixture on three grapevine leaf diseases and five leaf arthropods (beneficial and pest species) in the field over a four-month time period. We found a strong interaction between sampling year and treatment for all tested organisms. Overall, the presence of copper generally decreased both the occurrence of disease and densities of leaf arthropods. Thus, copper reduces some pest densities but also biological agent densities which might interfere with biological control. The effects and results presented here should prove valuable when implementing future crop management strategies and pest control procedures.
Source: Biological Control - Category: Biology Source Type: research