TRUSTED BY AUSTRALIAN GROWERS FOR 20 YEARS – NUFARM TRI-BASE BLUE

What has kept Tri-Base Blue at the front of the liquid copper market for 20 years?

According to David Rumbold, Nufarm’s Australian Portfolio Solutions Lead, it’s the result of strong investment in a highquality formulation. “There’s always been a fantastic market response to Tri-Base Blue – once growers try it, they almost never go back,” he said.

“According to all the data we have, there have been over 1,200 fungicides registered since Tri-Base Blue came on the market – most of them have lasted maybe ten years. The fact that Tri-Base Blue has reached double the average registration life is a testament to the value that growers placed on it when it was launched and still do today.”

Maintaining that position means recognising the need for constant improvement. It’s why Nufarm has updated the Tri-Base Blue label 10 times since it was first registered, and why Nufarm continues to invest in new data. “Growers are always looking for efficiencies and ways to improve, and we need to keep improving alongside them,” said David. “Whether it’s making the label easier to understand or finding a more cost-effective rate, we’re always finding ways to make sure growers are getting the best out of the product.”

Optimal particle size, optimal release profile

Tri-Base Blue’s superior performance is down to superior chemistry. Strict quality control to deliver a fine copper particle size ensures exceptional coverage

“When the particles in a copper formulation are too large, you’ll inevitably end up with untreated surfaces – and any plant surface that’s untreated remains a potential infection site. In a year with high disease pressure, it’s not a risk worth taking.”

Tri-Base Blue also offers a two-phase release of copper ions, to establish control and then sustain it. It’s a good balance between fast action and sustained release copper.

It’s close to the ideal release profile, according to David. “Growers can have the best of both worlds. Our testing shows 75% of the active copper is released instantly, which gives good control straight after spraying. But the remaining 25% of the copper is released over time, which gives more sustained, long-lasting control to back up that initial release. It minimises the issues with phytotoxicity and still provides excellent longer-term control.”

High compatibility for easy mixing

Formulated with a neutral pH, the Tri-Base Blue’s high compatibility is a big part of its appeal. It sets Tri-Base Blue apart from most copper hydroxides, which raise the pH of the solution in the tank and degrade a lot of insecticides.

“It just makes it so much easier for growers to use,” said David. “It’s compatible with all of the most common mix partners which makes it really easy to integrate into your spray program. Growers don’t have to worry about the inefficiencies of separating chemicals or spraying twice, which they often do with other copper sprays.”

As a liquid formulation, Tri-Base Blue is also much easier to handle than a dry product. “There are no issues with dust, so it’s much more pleasant to use than most dry coppers,” said David. “You can also measure it volumetrically, so you know you’re getting exactly the rate you want.”

And the key to outperforming the competition for 20 years?

Simple, according to David: trust.

“When it comes down to it, Tri-Base Blue has been around for this long because it’s a fantastic product that does a great job. Growers stick with it because they know they can trust it.”