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For the control of various diseases of fruit and vegetables as specified in the DIRECTIONS FOR USE Table

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Fungicide Resistance Warning
Blue Shield DF Copper Fungicide is a member of the multi-site activity group of fungicides. For fungicide resistance management Blue Shield is a Group M1 fungicide.
Some naturally occurring individual fungi resistant to Blue Shield and other Group M1 fungicides may exist through normal genetic variability in any fungal population. The resistant individuals can eventually dominate the fungi population if these fungicides are used repeatedly. These resistant fungi will not be controlled by Blue Shield and other Group M1 fungicides, thus resulting in a reduction in efficacy and possible yield loss.
Since the occurrence of resistant fungi is difficult to detect prior to use, Bayer CropScience Pty Ltd accepts no liability for any losses that may result from the failure of Blue Shield to control resistant fungi.

Mixing
Fill the spray tank to three quarters of the required volume with water, then slowly pour Blue Shield into the spray tank, with the agitation system actively moving. Add tank-mix products after Blue Shield is thoroughly mixed. Top up to the required volume with water. Pre-mixing Blue Shield with a small quantity of water is NOT recommended.

Application
Good disease control requires even, thorough coverage of the target area. Application should be made using appropriate spray equipment and sufficient water to provide adequate penetration and coverage.
Equipment settings and water volume may need to vary, depending on the growth stage of the crop.

Instructions for ‘other’ crops
High volume
Mix specified rates of product per 100 L water and spray plants to “point of run-off” stage, thoroughly covering all plant surfaces.
Low volume
Use specified rates per hectare in a convenient volume of water, using effective low volume boom sprays, misters etc. Aim to apply an even small droplet coverage over all plant surfaces. Water volumes may range from 30 to 500 L/ha depending on crop and equipment.

Instructions for vegetables
General
Thorough coverage of the plant is essential of maximum effectiveness. To achieve thorough coverage:
1. Spray volumes need to be increased as the plants grow.
2. The configuration of the sprayer may need to be altered as the plants grow and change shape.
The coverage provided by the sprayer should be checked prior to each application and adjusted if necessary. This should only be done with water plus any required wetting agents.
Dilute sprays
Apply using a sprayer fitted with cone nozzles operated at pressures that produce a MEDIUM to FINE spray.
The following volumes per sprayed hectare are suggested as a guide, since the required volumes will vary with foliage density and size of the plants.

Carrots, parsnips, potatoes, silver beet, spinach: 400 L on plants up to 10 cm tall, increasing to 1000 to 1200 L on mature plants.
Cucurbits, lettuce: 400 L on plants up to 10 leaves, increasing to 1000 to 1200 L on mature plants.
Brassicas, trellis tomatoes: 400 L on plants up to 10 leaves, increasing to 1200 to 1500 L on mature plants.
Beans, capsicums, celery, faba beans, French beans, peas, rhubarb, bush tomatoes: 400 L on plants up to 15 cm tall, increasing to 1000 to 1200 L on mature plants.
Red beet: 400 L on plants up to 8 leaves, increasing to 800 L on mature plants.

Special instructions for tree and vine crops
Dilute spraying
- Use a sprayer designed to apply high spray volumes, up the point of run-off and matched to the crop being sprayed.
- Set up and operate the sprayer to achieve even coverage throughout the crop canopy. Apply sufficient spray volume to cover the crop to the point of run-off. Avoid excessive run-off.
- The required spray volume to achieve point of run-off may be determined by applying different test volumes, using different settings on the sprayer, or from industry guidelines or other expert advice.
- Add the amount of product specified in the Directions for Use table for each 100 L water. Spray to the point of run-off.
- The required dilute spray volume to achieve point of run-off will change and the sprayer set up and operation may also need to be changed, as the crop grows.
- Always apply sufficient water to cover the crop to the point of run-off, otherwise underdosing will occur and disease control may be inadequate.
Concentrate spraying
- Use a sprayer designed and set up for concentrate spraying (that is a sprayer which applies spray volumes less than those required to reach the point of run-off) and matched to the crop being sprayed.
- Set up and operate the sprayer to achieve even coverage throughout the crop canopy using your chosen spray volume.
- Determine an appropriate dilute spray volume (See Dilute Spraying above) for the crop canopy. This is needed to calculate the concentrate mixing rate.
- The mixing rate for concentrate spraying can then be calculated in the following way:
EXAMPLE ONLY
1. Dilute spray volume as determined above: For example 1500 L/ha
2. Your chosen concentrate spray volume: For example 500 L/ha
3. The concentration factor in this example is: 3 X (i.e. 1500 L  500 L = 3)
4. If the dilute label rate is 105 g/100 L, then the concentrate rate becomes 3 x 105, that is 315 g/100 L of concentrate spray.
- The chosen spray volume, amount of product per 100 L of water, and the sprayer set up and operation may need to be changed as the crop grows.
- Do not use a concentrate rate higher than that specified in the Critical Comments for the relevant crop.
- Concentrate spraying of this product is only appropriate for apples, apricots, avocadoes, cherries, grapevines, mangoes, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums.
- For concentrate application use a minimum spray volume of 250 L/ha.
- For further information on concentrate spraying, users are advised to consult relevant industry guidelines, undertake appropriate competency training and follow industry Best Practices.

Wetting agents
The addition of a wetting agent is required when Blue Shield DF Copper Fungicide is applied to brassicas, faba beans, peas and onion. Where a wetting agent is not required for Blue Shield, one may be added if required for other pesticides.

Compatibility
This product is compatible with wettable powder, water dispersible granule, suspension concentrate and most emulsifiable concentrate formulations of most commonly used fungicides, insecticides and miticides.