Monovalent copper ion treatment for macrophomina disease in cotton

Overview

Coptter Water Technologies has developed a novel electrochemical device that produces monovalent copper ions (Cu+) from divalent copper (Cu2+) ions for use in agricultural irrigation systems. The technology targets Macrophomina phaseolina, a soil-borne fungal pathogen that attacks cotton roots and causes significant yield losses. By delivering low concentrations of Cu+ ions (under 1 PPM) through irrigation water, the solution aims to both prevent and treat Macrophomina disease in cotton cultivation. The approach leverages the company's discovery that monovalent copper ions are orders of magnitude more potent against bacteria and fungi than the more stable Cu2+ form, enabling effective pathogen control at concentrations approved for drinking water.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Electrochemical device that converts Cu2+ ions into highly reactive Cu+ ions directly in irrigation water
• Effective antifungal activity demonstrated in-vitro, achieving complete elimination of Macrophomina phaseolina (1,000 CFU/ml) within one hour at concentrations ranging from 0.312 PPM to 10 PPM
• Operates at concentrations below 1 PPM in the proposed irrigation protocol, within drinking-water safety limits
• Compatible with existing irrigation infrastructure for straightforward deployment in greenhouse or field settings
• Alternative Cu+ production pathway available through chemical stabilizers for flexible integration
• The same core technology has been validated over months of operation for water disinfection against fungi and bacteria in swimming pool environments

Technology readiness level

The monovalent copper ion technology has progressed through initial in-vitro validation, with confirmed complete fungal kill rates across multiple concentration ranges. The underlying electrochemical device has been field-tested for water disinfection applications. The next stage involves greenhouse-based validation, where the Cu+ generating device will be integrated with an irrigation system feeding cotton plants grown in controlled 10-liter dishes on a specialized substrate with root monitoring. Six experimental groups will compare infected and non-infected plants with and without Cu+ treatment at 0.3 PPM and 1 PPM over several months to assess root health and plant growth outcomes.