Cupron holds the only US EPA Registrations for copper-based root intrusion claims
Subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) systems are designed to consistently and efficiently deliver an appropriate supply of water directly to the roots of plants. This method of delivery can prevent or minimize water evaporation and runoff, thus reducing expense and water usage.
Root intrusion of SDI piping and emitter heads can have significant consequences. Root intrusion can result in clogged emitters, low pressure, leaks, altered water distribution, reduced product lifespan, and lower crop yields.
Perhaps the most significant problem caused by root intrusion is clogged emitters. Roots tend to proliferate in environments where water and nutrients are readily available. The root intrusion causes partial or total blockage of the emitters which, in some cases, can prevent water supply to several or all downstream emitters.
One way of preventing root penetration is by treating the water or the drip irrigation components with an herbicide such as trifluralin (Sheval et al. 2008; Spera et al. 2006). The addition of the herbicide may necessitate an injection pump that releases the herbicide at a prescribed dosage and rate, or alternatively the emitters may contain the herbicide. This would provide a continuous slow release of the herbicide as the water passes through it. However, herbicide use carries risks that include environmental, ecological and human health effects (Ahemad and Khan. 2009; Bernard et al. 2005; Eason et al. 2004).
Copper is known to have potent antibacterial, fungicidal and algaecidal properties (Borkow and gabbay 2005; Murray-Gulde etal. 2002). Copper compounds are widely used as algaecides and herbicides (Bishop and Rodgers 2012; Borkow and Gabbay 2005). To prevent any adverse environmental effects of soluble chemistries, Cupron uses non-leaching copper oxide-based formulations to reduce root penetration and obstruction of irrigation systems.
As Cupron holds the only EPA registrations for copper compounds authorized to make root intrusion claims, only irrigation companies that purchase directly from Cupron can make such claims.
If your company wishes to make these root inclusion claims, or currently does so and wishes to do so legally, Contact Cupron.
Further, Cupron owns an extensive patent portfolio related, in significant part, to the use of copper compounds embedded in polymeric articles such as emitter heads and irrigation tubing. The current Cupron patent portfolio includes pending and issued patents in the United States and around the world.
It is a benefit to society that the EPA, FDA, FTC, and State Attorneys General are vigilant in enforcing false or unauthorized advertising claims to protect consumers. It is the responsibility of irrigation manufacturers and brands that sell their products in the United States to conform to all relevant legal advertising requirements.
