Compositions of copper and zinc for enhanced antimicrobial activity

Abstract

The disclosure relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising at least 80% water by weight, a copper component selected from copper (II) carbonate basic or sodium copper chlorophyllin, a zinc component selected from zinc oxide or zinc acetyl-acetonate, and at least one processing aid such as sulfamic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, 2-furoic acid, succinic acid, sulfosuccinic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, glycolic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, malic acid, acexamic acid, or gluconic acid. The copper-to-zinc molar ratio ranges from about 1:6 to about 6:1. The composition demonstrates enhanced antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and sclerotia, and is effective at lower copper concentrations than conventional agents. Principal uses include agricultural pathogen control via foliar spray or soil treatment. The composition provides broad-spectrum, persistent, and cost-effective antimicrobial action with improved environmental safety and resistance management.

Description

[0001] Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] COMPOSITIONS OF COPPER AND ZINC FOR ENHANCED ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.63 / 687,153, filed August 26, 2024, entitled “Compositions of Copper and Zinc inWater for Antimicrobial Applications,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to compositions with antimicrobial (algacidal, antibacterial, antifungal) activity, and more specifically to compositions containing copper and zinc compounds formulated into a continuous phase that is principally water. The antimicrobial compositions may be used to prevent, control, or eliminate bacterial, fungal, and / or algal diseases on plants, as well as to prevent, control, or cure bacterial or fungal infections in mammals, particularly humans. BACKGROUND The antimicrobial effects of copper metal and copper salts have been known since ancient times. The role of copper as an anti-microbial agent was first described in the Smith Papyrus, an Egyptian medical text written around 2,600 B.C.E., which describes the application of copper to sterilize chest wounds and drinking water. The Greeks, Romans, and Aztecs used copper metal or its compounds for the treatment of chronic infections and for hygiene in general. For example, the Hippocratic Collection recommends copper for the treatment of leg ulcers associated with varicose veins. To prevent infection of fresh wounds, the Greeks sprinkled a dry powder composed of copper oxide and copper sulfate on the wound. Another antiseptic wound treatment at the time was a boiled mixture of honey and red copper oxide. The Ancient Indian ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita (ca. 300 B.C.E.) also mentions how copper kills fatal microbes, including copper’s role in the purification of drinking water. Pliny (23 to 79 C.E.) described a number of remedies involving copper, for example, black copper oxide was given with honey to remove intestinal worms. In modern times, the first observation of copper’s role in the immune system was published in 1867 when it was reported that, during the chlera epidemics in Paris of 1832, 1849, and 1852, Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] copper workers were immune to the disease. Further, animals deficient in copper have been shown to have increased susceptibility to bacterial pathogens such as salmonella and listeria. Copper sulfate is the key active component of the fungicidal “Bordeaux mixture” that was invented in the 19th century and is still used in agriculture today, as are numerous other copper-based agrochemicals. Pathogenic microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses are responsible for many of the diseases in multicellular organisms as illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. In the pharmaceutical area, bacterial infections are involved in skin diseases such as acne (Propionibacterium acnes) and eczema (Staphylococcus aureus). Bacterial infections also include healthcare-acquired infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Acinetobacter sp. Klebsiella pneumonia (in which the NDM-1 enzyme gene was originally identified) and Legionella pneumophila, which is the cause of Legionnaire’s disease. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common cause of urinary tract infections. These and other similar infections are estimated to cause the death of nearly 100,000 people in the United States annually. Pathogenic E. coli 0157:117 causes gastroenteritis when ingested through contaminated food. While diseases caused by fungi may be relatively mild, such as athlete’s foot (Trichophyton sp.), dandruff (Malassezia globosa), and thrush (Candida albicans), fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) and Candida albicans (C. albicans), and yeasts such as Cryptococcus neoformans may cause life-threatening infections in immune-compromised patients. Viruses are also responsible for common diseases such as colds (rhinoviruses), influenza (influenza viruses A, B, and C) and cold sores (Herpes simplex virus), as well as more serious viral diseases such as rabies and Ebola. Bacterial infections of skin wounds such as pressure sores and diabetic leg ulcers can exacerbate these conditions. Copper salts and copper-based compositions have been shown to be effective against these diseases by virtue of both their anti-bacterial effects and their ability to stimulate wound healing by enhancing growth factor production. The antimicrobial properties of copper have also found beneficial uses in agriculture. The development of commercial antifungal agents in agriculture began with the copper-based Bordeaux mixture in the 19th century. In the 20th century, many new classes of synthetic organic fungicides with defined modes of action were produced, but the development of fungal resistance to many of these agents has been an increasing problem. In addition, many of these fungicides Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] have toxic effects on the environment or on other species, and they can persist in crops and enter the food chain. A. Antimicrobials in Agriculture The globalization of agriculture has led to crop plants being grown in areas where they may be exposed to new pathogens or new strains of existing pathogens, such as fungi and bacteria, to which they are susceptible. It is estimated that 70% of all major crop diseases are caused by phytopathogenic fungi and it is now acknowledged that plant diseases threaten food supplies worldwide. Bacterial plant pathogens are diverse and cause many diseases. The majority of plant pathogens are fungal, but some, like late blight of potato, are oomycetes and some, like the phytoplasmas of poinsettias, are bacteria. While phytoplasmas are unusual because they are obligate intracellular parasites, most bacterial diseases do not enter into the cell. Instead, they produce ‘effector’ molecules that they are able to transfer into living cells and effect specific results such as hormonal responses that bring about tumors, exudation of materials, or cell death. Bacterial diseases of plants occur in every place that is reasonably moist or warm, and they affect all kinds of plants. Bacterial diseases are particularly common and severe in the humid tropics, but under favorable environmental conditions, they may be extremely destructive anywhere. As discussed in Plant Diseases Caused by Prokaryotes: Bacterial and Mollicutes, George N. Agrios, in Plant Pathology (Fifth Edition), 2005, most plant pathogenic bacteria either develop in the host plant as parasites; on the plant surface, as epiphytes; and partly in plant debris or in the soil as saprophytes. Plant pathogenic bacteria often exist as biofilms, that is, communities of microorganisms attached each to other and / or to a solid surface. Some bacterial pathogens, such as Erwinia amylovora, which causes fire blight of pear, produce their populations in the plant host. They usually do not contribute to the propagation of disease from season to season because their numbers decline rapidly in the soil. These pathogens have developed sustained plant-to-plant infection cycles, such as through insects, and have lost the ability to survive in the soil. Other bacterial pathogens, such as Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which causes crown gall, Ralstonia solanacearum, which causes the bacterial wilt of solanaceous crops, and particularly Streptomyces scabies, which causes the common scab of potato, reside in the soil. Most plant pathogenic bacteria are considered soil invaders. Such bacteria enter the soil in host tissue and persist in the soil either as long as the host tissue resists decomposition and / or for some time afterward, depending on the bacterial species, the soil temperature and / or moisture conditions. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] See Plant Diseases Caused by Prokaryotes: Bacterial and Mollicutes, George N. Agrios, in Plant Pathology (Fifth Edition), 2005. When in soil, bacteria live mostly on plant material. Bacteria may also survive in or on seeds, other plant parts, or insects found in the soil. On plants, bacteria often survive epiphytically, in buds, on wounds, in their exudate, or inside the various tissues or organs that they infect. See Plant Diseases Caused by Prokaryotes: Bacterial and Mollicutes, George N. Agrios, in Plant Pathology (Fifth Edition), 2005. The dissemination of plant pathogenic bacteria from one plant to another or to other parts of the same plant is carried out primarily by water, insects, other animals, and humans. Bacteria may be carried from one plant to another or from the soil to the plant by rain, including its washing or spattering effect. Insects carry bacteria to plants and inoculate the plants with the bacteria by introducing them into the particular sites in plants. Bacterial plant pathogens may also persist in insects, depending on them for their survival and spread. Birds, rabbits, and other animals moving among plants may also carry bacteria on their bodies. Humans help spread bacteria locally (for example, by handling plants) and over long distances (by transporting infected transplants or plant parts to new areas). See Plant Diseases Caused by Prokaryotes: Bacterial and Mollicutes, George N. Agrios, in Plant Pathology (Fifth Edition), 2005. Many fungi are disseminated in the form of spores. Phytopathogenic fungi whose spores are spread by the wind are responsible for some of the most damaging crop diseases, for example, coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix), rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae), and black sigatoka (Mycosphaerella fijensis) on banana plants. Fungal (and bacterial) spores are highly resistant to cold, heat, ultraviolet light, and most fungicides. In fact, most spores are so unsusceptible to chemical interventions that concentrations, for example, of hypochlorous acid (bleach) and hydrogen peroxide that are themselves (5-10% and >10%, respectively) high enough to damage plants, animals and even the built environment, are necessary to exert meaningful control. In addition to spores as a means of dissemination and survival, many fungi can produce survival structures called sclerotia, which represent an important source of phytopathogenic diseases attributed to Rhizoctonia, Verticillium, Sclerotinia, and Macrophormina species. Sclerotia are asexual, multicellular, dormant, and highly chemically-resistant structures. Sclerotia are usually melanized, which affords them resistance to ultraviolet light exposure and, consequently, they are often identified as black spots or bodies in the soil or on plants, fruits, and vegetables. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Once sclerotia are present in the soil, they can survive for many years, infecting newly planted crops when contact is made with plant roots, leading to sclerotial germination and the growth of fungal hyphae that invade the plant via the roots. Plant diseases caused by bacteria are very difficult to control, and few bactericides are available to treat bacterial diseases. Although copper has been used in agriculture for several centuries as a foliar treatment to protect plants from fungal and bacterial diseases, when used systemically at bactericidal levels, copper is toxic. Copper has thus not been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for certain bacterial diseases such as Huanglongbing. In addition, there is a problem of the occurrence of pathogenic bacteria which have developed resistance to commonly used conventional agricultural chemicals. For example, in cultivating vegetables, fruit trees, flowering plants, tea plants, barleys or wheats, rice plants and the like, various pathogenic bacteria have developed resistance to various types of bactericides, such as triazole, imidazole, pyrimidine, benzimidazole, dicarboximide, phenylamide, strobilurin bactericides, and the like. The control of these resistant pathogenic bacteria becomes increasingly difficult year by year. B. Specific Plant Pathogens There are many plant pathogens of concern in the field of agriculture. Botrytis Cinerea (B. cinerea), commonly referred to as gray mold, is a destructive fungal pathogen that impacts a wide range of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. This pathogen thrives in humid and moderate temperature conditions, making its management particularly challenging in greenhouses and during wet growing seasons. B. cinerea causes significant economic losses by infecting crops such as strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, and lettuce, leading to symptoms such as soft rot, discoloration, and the appearance of grayish fungal spores on the surface of plant tissue. The fungus is recognized for the ability to infect plants at various stages of growth, from seedlings to mature fruits, and can persist in plant debris, complicating efforts to manage the pathogen. Addressing B. cinerea is challenging due to the pathogen’s rapid development of resistance to commonly used fungicides, as well as the fungus’s ability to survive in a dormant state under unfavorable conditions. A variety of fungicides are employed to manage B. cinerea infections, including chemical classes such as dicarboximides (e.g., iprodione), anilinopyrimidines (e.g., cyprodinil), phenylpyrroles (e.g., fludioxonil), and strobilurins (e.g., azoxystrobin). Multi-site fungicides like chlorothalonil and mancozeb are also used, often in rotation or combination with single-site Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] fungicides to delay the development of resistance. However, B. cinerea is notorious for the ability to rapidly develop resistance to many of these fungicides, particularly those with single-site modes of action, which has led to reduced efficacy and the need for integrated disease management strategies. The broad host range of B. cinerea complicates crop rotation strategies, and reliance on chemical fungicides raises concerns about environmental impact and residue levels on food products. Phytophthora capsici (P. capsici) is a destructive oomycete pathogen that causes significant economic losses in a wide range of crops, including peppers, tomatoes, cucurbits, and other vegetables. The pathogen thrives in warm, moist environments, leading to diseases such as root rot, crown rot, fruit rot, and foliar blight. Current methods to manage P. capsici include cultural practices such as crop rotation with non-host plants, improving soil drainage, and avoiding over-irrigation that are used to reduce the pathogen’s survival and spread. Additional methods are chemical treatments including fungicides such as mefenoxam, phosphonates, and copper-based compounds that are applied as soil drenches or foliar sprays. Copper-based compounds, including copper sulfate, copper oxychloride, and Bordeaux mixture, have been used due to their broad- spectrum antimicrobial activity and low cost. However, these traditional copper formulations are typically suspensions of insoluble copper salts that provide limited amounts of bioavailable ionic copper, which is the active antimicrobial form. As a result, they require frequent application at high rates, leading to accumulation of copper in the soil and potential phytotoxicity. Furthermore, copper-based compounds are often ineffective against established infections of P. capsici and do not reliably control the pathogen under high disease pressure or in wet conditions. The overuse of fungicides, including copper products, has also contributed to the emergence of resistant P. capsici strains, further reducing the efficacy of these treatments. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, also known as white mold, is a highly destructive fungal pathogen that affects a wide range of crops, including soybeans, sunflowers, canola, beans, and various vegetables. This pathogen thrives in cool, moist environments and spreads through the production of sclerotia, which are hardened, melanized structures capable of persisting in the soil for years. Under favorable conditions, these sclerotia germinate to produce apothecia that release airborne ascospores, which infect plant tissues such as flowers, stems, and leaves. Infection by S. sclerotiorum leads to symptoms including water-soaked lesions, white cottony mycelial growth, and eventual tissue necrosis, resulting in significant yield losses and economic damage. Current Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] management methods include cultural practices such as crop rotation with non-host plants, deep plowing to bury sclerotia, and optimizing plant spacing to reduce humidity within the canopy. Chemical fungicides, such as boscalid, fluazinam, and thiophanate-methyl, are also employed, often applied preventatively during flowering stages. However, fungicides are not consistently effective because the pathogen can develop resistance, and the timing of application is an important factor—fungicides are generally only effective if applied before infection occurs, and once S. sclerotiorum has established itself within plant tissues, chemical treatments have limited efficacy. Additionally, the dense canopy and rapid disease progression can hinder fungicide penetration and coverage, further reducing effectiveness. Phytophthora Infestans (P. infestans) is a highly destructive oomycete pathogen responsible for Late Blight, a devastating disease that affects crops such as potatoes and tomatoes. This pathogen thrives in cool, wet conditions, spreading rapidly through spores that can be dispersed by wind, water, or human activity. Late Blight causes significant economic losses by infecting leaves, stems, and tubers, leading to symptoms such as water-soaked lesions, necrosis, and eventual plant death. The disease is notorious for the capability to destroy entire fields within days under favorable conditions, posing a threat to food security and agricultural sustainability. Current treatments, including fungicides such as mefenoxam and copper-based compounds, are often ineffective due to the emergence of resistant P. infestans strains. Additionally, these treatments require frequent application, are costly, and may have environmental drawbacks, such as copper accumulation in the soil. The pathogen’s capacity to adapt and develop resistance, combined with rapid disease progression, underscores the pressing need for more effective and sustainable management strategies. Stemphylium spp. and Colletotrichum spp. are significant phytopathogens that cause severe damage to a wide range of crops, leading to substantial economic losses in agriculture. Stemphylium spp. are responsible for diseases such as Stemphylium leaf spot and fruit rot, which affect crops like onions, tomatoes, and alfalfa. These infections manifest as necrotic lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits, reducing photosynthetic capacity and compromising yield quality. Similarly, Colletotrichum spp., the causative agents of anthracnose, bitter rot, and other diseases, infect a broad spectrum of hosts, including fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Symptoms include sunken lesions, discoloration, and fruit decay, which can render crops unmarketable. Current treatments for these pathogens, such as fungicides from chemical classes like strobilurins, Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] dicarboximides, and triazoles, are increasingly ineffective due to the rapid development of resistance. Additionally, these fungicides often require frequent application, raising concerns about environmental toxicity, residue accumulation, and regulatory restrictions. The lack of durable and environmentally sustainable solutions underscores the pressing need for innovative approaches to manage these persistent pathogens effectively. A need exists for effective and safe bactericidal, fungicidal, algacidal, and / or sporicidal agricultural compositions that are non-phytotoxic, persistent, and economical. The antimicrobial (such as algacidal, antibacterial, antifungal) activity of copper compositions is long-established, and it is generally reasonable to expect that an article comprising copper in any of its three significant oxidation states (i.e., Cu0, CuI, and CuII) will exhibit antimicrobial activity in direct proportion to the copper content, and there are abundant commercial example of this effect. Zinc, which is almost exclusively encountered as ZnII, has considerable utility in antiviral applications, but prior art demonstrating a benefit in the use of zinc alone against microbes with a metabolism is sparse. While the use of acid-solubilized copper-ammonium and copper-zinc-ammonium complexes has been proven useful in combating difficult to treat or control bacterial and fungal strains, they use various forms of phosphorous acid. Among archetypal oxidation-reduction processes, e.g., those listed in the CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics’s electrochemical series, both two-electron CuIIreduction (Eθ= 0.3419 V) and two-electron H3PO3 oxidation (Eθ= 0.276 V) are in the lowest respective quartiles for exothermicity. However, the rate of H3PO3 + CuSO4+ H2O → H3PO4+ H2SO4+ Cu0(Eθ= 0.618 V) is not zero and this background process undermines shelf-stability of the overall formulation. Formulation away from phosphorous acid while retaining the benefits from the combination of copper and zinc would be distinctly advantageous. In addition, current forms of these compounds would benefit from the use of less copper, greater stability and shelf life, and better adherence to plant substrates or persistence in the soil. C. Antimicrobials and Infectious Disease Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics – are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to antimicrobial medicines. As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become ineffective and infections become difficult or impossible to treat, Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and death. The emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens threaten the ability to treat common infections and to perform life-saving procedures, including cancer chemotherapy and hip replacements, organ transplantation, and other surgeries. In addition, drug-resistant infections impact the health of animals and plants, reduce productivity in farms, and threaten food security. See https: / / www.who.int / news-room / fact-sheets / detail / antimicrobial-resistance. The global rise in antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat, diminishing the efficacy of common antibiotics against widespread bacterial infections. For urinary tract infections caused by E. coli, one in five cases exhibited reduced susceptibility to standard antibiotics in 2020. This resistance is making it harder to effectively treat common infections. Drug-resistant fungal infections are also increasing. The emergence and spread of multi-drug resistant Candida auris, an invasive fungal infection, is of particular concern. The clinical pipeline of new antimicrobials is almost dry. In addition, a lack of access to quality antimicrobials and shortages of generic off-patent antibiotics affect countries across all levels of income and development. Thus, there is a need for new and efficacious antimicrobials. See https: / / www.who.int / news-room / fact-sheets / detail / antimicrobial-resistance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION Some aspects of this disclosure are directed to copper and zinc solutions that are formulated into a continuous phase that is either water or principally water. Copper and zinc formulations may enjoy the benefit of disproportionately greater-than-expected antimicrobial activity in vitro, with comparative applications normalized to the count (moles) of metal per unit volume. Nearly every embodiment comprising x moles copper plus y moles zinc per unit volume demonstrates higher antimicrobial activity than either x moles of copper alone in the same volume or y moles of zinc alone in the same volume or the arithmetically combined activities of x moles copper plus y moles zinc in the same volume. More remarkable are the multiple embodiments comprising x moles copper plus y moles zinc per unit volume that demonstrate higher antimicrobial activity than (x + y) moles copper alone in the same volume. At the same time, certain embodiments of these compositions generally exert at least as much antimicrobial effect with less copper than other representative copper antimicrobials. Thus, Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] they advantageously conserve resources, defer / delay soil toxicity, reduce the opportunity for bacteria to evolve further copper resistance, complicate the development of resistance due to the multiple constituents, and remediate zinc deficiency, especially on GMO crops such as corn. The use of zinc in the composition may enhance crop efficiency and decrease the dependence on synthetic fertilizers through increased nitrogen fixation. See https: / / scitechdaily.com / groundbreaking-discovery-how-zinc-could-change-farming-forever / . In addition, the composition is less expensive to formulate because the use of copper, which is the most expensive component, is reduced. Disclosed is an antimicrobial composition, comprising: a solvent that is equal to or greater than 80% water by weight; at least one copper compound; and at least one zinc compound. In certain embodiments, the copper compound may be selected from the group consisting of copper (II) bromide, copper (II) chloride, copper (II) nitrate, copper (II) perchlorate, copper (II) sulfamate and copper (II) sulfate, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the copper compound(s) may be selected from the group consisting of any of the copper compositions in Table 3, any of the copper compositions in Table 5, any one of the copper compositions in Table 6, and any of the copper compositions in Table 7, including combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the zinc compounds may be selected from the group consisting of zinc bromide, zinc chloride, zinc iodide, zinc nitrate, zinc perchlorate, zinc phosphite, zinc sulfamate, and zinc sulfate, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the zinc compounds may be selected from the group consisting of any of the zinc compositions in Table 4, any of the zinc compositions in Table 5, any of the zinc compositions in Table 6, and any of the zinc compositions in Table 7, including combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the copper concentration is between about 1.5 mM and 15 M. In other embodiments, the copper concentration is between about 15 mM and 1.5 M, or preferably between about 150 – 450 mM. In certain embodiments, the zinc concentration is between about 1.5 mM and 15 M. In other embodiments, the zinc concentration is between about 15 mM and 1.5 M, or preferably about 150 – 450 mM. The composition may have a ratio of copper to zinc of 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 0.9:1, 0.8:1, 0.7:1, 0.6:1, 0.5:1, 0.4:1, 0.3:1, 0.2:1, or 0.1:1. For use in certain applications, the composition may be diluted with a medium comprising at least 80% water. In certain embodiments, the composition may be diluted 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90, 1:100, 1:110, 1:120, 1:130, 1:140, 1:150, 1:160, 1:170, 1:180, 1:190, 1:200, 1:210, 1:220, Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 1:230, 1:240, 1:250, 1:300, 1:350, 1:400, 1:450, 1:500, 1:600, 1:700, 1:800, 1:850, 1:900, 1:950, or 1:1000. The pH of these embodiments generally falls spontaneously into the range of approximately 4.0 ± 0.1 – approximately 6.0 ± 0.1 at the moment of assembly, and in certain embodiments, at least one processing aid from Table 1 or Table 2 may be used to buffer the pH within this range. In certain other embodiments, at least one processing aid from Table 1 or Table 2 is used to adjust the pH of the composition to either below 7.0 ± 0.1 or above 12.0 ± 0.1. In these embodiments, a final assembled pH between 0.5 ± 0.05 and 6.5 ± 0.05 is generally preferable, and a pH between 1.0 ± 0.1 and 5.5 ± 0.1 is generally more preferable. The processing aid may be added during or after processing. In certain embodiments, the composition may also include at least one complementary admixed antimicrobial agent. The agent may be an oxidizing sterilant, an anionic agent, a cationic agent, or a neutral agent, including zwitterionic agents. Exemplar sterliants are listed in Table 8. The composition may, in certain embodiments, also include at least one rainfastening agent. The rainfastening agent may comprise a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a polyacrylate, or a betaine, including cocamidopropyl betaine, sulfo- and phosphobetaines, and phosphatidylcholine. Exemplar rainfasterning agents are also listed in Table 9. In certain embodiments, the composition may also include a defoamer, which may be simethicone. It may be preferable to minimize the amount of continuous phase comprising embodiments of the invention as commercial articles and offer them, e.g., either at, near, or even over saturation with the expectation that they will be diluted either during subsequent processing or at the point of use, whereupon each of these formulations may be described on a continuum between true solution and dispersion (as defined herein), and their utility will survive filtration as strenuous as a conventional “sterile” filtration (i.e., to remove particle sizes ≥ 0.2(2) μm). The presence of zinc already materially differentiates these compositions from existing antimicrobial copper compositions, and this filterability distinguishes these embodiments from existing antimicrobial compositions of copper plus zinc, nearly all of which are combinations of fixed metal compounds. Particularly in the context of agricultural applications, a soluble copper plus zinc formulation holds the same advantages over a fixed copper plus zinc formulation as a soluble copper does over a fixed copper: a smaller investment in and application of active ingredients is generally required, and users will generally find it more convenient to apply active ingredients in a soluble format. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Some antimicrobial compositions of water-soluble copper plus zinc compounds rely on combinations of copper and zinc sulfate solubilized at low pH with either phosphoric or phosphorous acid. While these acids may directly confer certain advantages above and beyond pH control to compositions that incorporate them (cf. Table 1), there are also reasons their inclusion may be less preferable to alternatives. Phosphorous acid participates in a slow redox process with copper cations to yield elemental copper and phosphoric acid (e.g., H3PO3 + Cu+++ H2O → H3PO4 + Cu0+ 2 H+). Unless certain specific measures are used to solubilize elemental copper in water, it will precipitate when formed. Meanwhile, phosphoric acid may form insoluble phosphates with copper and zinc ions in solution; this is the case regardless of whether it was in the mixture natively or formed from the reaction of phosphorous acid and copper cations. Thus, the fate of both phosphorous and phosphoric acids as formulation partners in soluble copper plus zinc compositions is ultimately to form insoluble matter upon standing and cause a commensurate decrease in the antimicrobial activity of the soluble fraction. The overall processes are qualitatively slow but are the overriding determinants of shelf life in prior art, requiring 6 – 12 months to render a meaningful decrease in efficacy, and a further 6 months to decompose beyond reasonable commercial specifications, translating to shelf lives for formulations of copper plus zinc and either phosphorous acid or phosphoric acid of 12 – 18 months. In the absence of both phosphorous and phosphoric acid, and with further judicious selections of formulation partners as enumerated below, the shelf lives of embodiments should not have a practical limit. These embodiments, due to their relatively high ionic strengths, may experience some stratification and minor separation upon standing, but these are impermanent physical changes easily reversible with agitation and, especially, dilution either during subsequent processing or at the point of use, as will be performed in most applications. In contrast to other solutions, the disclosed embodiments without phosphorous or phosphoric acid only begin to suffer any meaningful decrease in efficacy beginning approximately 12 – 24 months after manufacture, apparently after sufficient progression of oxidation-reduction, mineralization, and other conventional decomposition processes generally considered to be facilitated by dissolved gasses from air, particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide. These embodiments then remain within reasonable commercial specifications for a further 12 months, translating to shelf lives for formulations of copper plus zinc and neither phosphorous acid nor phosphoric acid of 24 – 36 months. Formulations free of phosphorous acid with utility in Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] agricultural applications may also be preferable commercially since certain organic food standards prohibit it. The antimicrobial basis may be augmented with one or more complementary agents. The composition may be antibacterial, antifungal, and / or antisclerotial. The disclosed composition may be used in a method to reduce bacteria or fungi on plant matter by applying the composition to the substrate of at least one plant and / or to the soil in the vicinity of at least one plant. The disclosed composition may also be used in a method to prevent or control bacterial diseases or fungal diseases on plants by applying the composition to the substrate of at least one plant and / or to soil in the vicinity of at least one plant. The disclosed composition may be used in a method to prevent or control bacterial diseases, fungal diseases, viruses, or parasites in mammals, preferably humans, by applying the composition to the skin and / or disease affected area. The disclosed composition may also be used in a method to prevent or control bacterial diseases, fungal diseases, viruses, or parasites in mammals, preferably humans, by injection of the composition to the skin and / or disease affected area. Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a copper–zinc antimicrobial composition comprising: a copper component selected from copper(II) carbonate basic, sodium copper chlorophyllin, and combinations thereof; a zinc component selected from zinc oxide, zinc acetyl-acetonate, and combinations thereof; at least one processing aid selected from sulfamic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, 2-furoic acid, succinic acid, sulfosuccinic acid, 2,5- furandicarboxylic acid, glycolic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, malic acid, acexamic acid, and gluconic acid; and water. The composition comprises both the copper component and the zinc component in a molar ratio of zinc to copper from about 1:6 to about 6:1 and is free of phosphorous acid and phosphoric acid. In certain embodiments, the copper component is copper(II) carbonate basic and the zinc component is zinc oxide. The processing aid may comprise malic acid, acexamic acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, 2-furoic acid, succinic acid, sulfosuccinic acid, 2,5- furandicarboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, glycolic acid, or α-ketoglutaric acid. The copper component may be present at a concentration of 2 mM and the zinc component at a concentration of 2 mM, or at 1 mM copper and 1 mM zinc. The molar ratio of copper to zinc may be from 3:1 to 1:3, from 2:1 to 1:2, or approximately 1:1. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] The composition may be formulated to suppress mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora capsici, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Phytophthora infestans, Stemphylium spp., or Colletotrichum spp. In certain embodiments, the composition is diluted with a medium comprising at least 80% water, and may be diluted at a ratio selected from 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90, 1:100, 1:110, 1:120, 1:130, 1:140, 1:150, 1:160, 1:170, 1:180, 1:190, 1:200, 1:210, 1:220, 1:230, 1:240, 1:250, 1:300, 1:350, 1:400, 1:450, 1:500, 1:600, 1:700, 1:800, 1:850, 1:900, 1:950, 1:1000, 1:1250, 1:1500, 1:1750, 1:2000, 1:2250, or 1:2500. The composition may be used in a method to reduce bacteria or fungi on plant matter by applying the composition to the substrate of at least one plant or to the soil in the vicinity of at least one plant. The composition may be used as a foliar antimicrobial spray. In certain embodiments, the composition does not contain any added inorganic mineral acid, the pH is greater than 3.5, the total dissolved metal is less than 70,000 ppm, and the water component is at least 95% by weight. The following detailed description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed subject matter and sets out various embodiments, applications, and examples. These embodiments are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed subject matter. The disclosed subject matter generally relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising copper and zinc compounds in a water-based continuous phase, with applications in agriculture, human and animal health, and other fields requiring microbial control. The disclosed compositions exhibit enhanced antimicrobial activity and address challenges such as resistance, environmental safety, and cost-effectiveness. The examples and embodiments described are provided to illustrate the principles of the described subject matter and are not intended to cover all possible variations. Variations, modifications, and alternative arrangements that align with the spirit and scope of the described subject matter will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Additionally, certain details, such as widely recognized chemical preparation techniques or standard application methods, may be omitted for clarity and brevity, as they are readily understood by those familiar with the field. The described subject matter is intended to include all such variations and modifications within the scope of the appended claims. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.1 is a graph showing suppression of B. cinerea by CuZn125 and the components of CuZn125 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, including expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG.2 is a graph showing suppression of P. capsici by CuZn125 and the components of CuZn125 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, with expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG. 3 is a graph showing suppression of S. sclerotiorum (specimen A) by CuZn125 and the components of CuZn125 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, detailing expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG. 4 is a graph showing suppression of S. sclerotiorum (specimen B) by CuZn125 and the components of CuZn125 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, including expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG. 5 is a graph showing suppression of P. infestans (specimen A) by CuZn125 and the components of CuZn125 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, with expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG. 6 is a graph showing suppression of P. infestans (specimen B) by CuZn125 and the components of CuZn125 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, including expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG.7 is a graph showing suppression of Stemphylium sp. by CuZn125 and the components of CuZn125 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, with expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG.8 is a graph showing suppression of Colletotrichum sp. by CuZn125 and the components of CuZn125 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, including expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG.9 is a graph showing suppression of P. capsici by CuZn133 and the components of CuZn133 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, with expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG. 10 is a graph showing suppression of S. sclerotiorum (specimen A) by CuZn133 and the components of CuZn133 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, including expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] FIG. 11 is a graph showing suppression of S. sclerotiorum (specimen B) by CuZn133 and the components of CuZn133 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, with expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG. 12 is a graph showing suppression of P. infestans (specimen A) by CuZn133 and the components of CuZn133 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, including expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG. 13 is a graph showing suppression of P. infestans (specimen B) by CuZn133 and the components of CuZn133 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, with expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG.14 is a graph showing suppression of Stemphylium sp. by CuZn133 and the components of CuZn133 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, including expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. FIG.15 is a graph showing suppression of Colletotrichum sp. by CuZn133 and the components of CuZn133 at different application strengths and Cu–Zn ratios, with expected and observed suppression, copper content, and overall metal content. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE Certain embodiments of the disclosed copper and zinc compounds are formulated into a continuous phase that is either water or principally water, and in the process may be supported by one or more pH adjustments with processing aids and / or physical manipulations intended to be more forcing than simple, low-energy, turbulent mixing. Either at the point of assembly or during further processing or at the point of use, the compounds may survive filtration through media at least as fine as 0.2(2) μm without reduction in antimicrobial activity and while at useful concentrations. Embodiments at, near, or over saturation – e.g., preferable embodiments for commercial articles – are likely to stratify but remain fit for service for a period of years, provided they are reagitated prior to use. The embodiments show significant antimicrobial (algacidal, antibacterial, antifungal, antisclerotial) activity. Among the convenient sources of copper are the common cupric salts of common inorganic acids, namely copper (II) bromide, copper (II) chloride, copper (II) nitrate, copper (II) perchlorate, copper (II) sulfamate, and copper (II) sulfate, including combinations thereof. The zinc component of embodiments of the disclosure include zinc bromide, zinc chloride, zinc nitrate, zinc Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] perchlorate, zinc sulfamate, and zinc sulfate, including combinations thereof. The listed compounds should spontaneously, thoroughly dissolve into water at the relevant concentrations under ambient conditions with low-energy mixing, creating a copper-zinc compound. The disclosed copper zinc compositions may be used without adjusting the pH. However, some embodiments of a copper zinc composition may benefit from one or more pH modifications, including intermediate- to long-term solution stabilization and an enhanced shelf-life. In some instances, changing the pH range may also aid processing by winnowing larger particles into smaller particles without dissolving them per se, but accelerating and supporting the dissolution process overall. Examples of suitable acids and bases for adjusting the pH, either during or at the conclusion of processing, are presented in Tables 1 and 2, respectively. Note that Table 1 accounts for every conjugate acid of the cupric and zinc salt anions listed above, and those that may advantage embodiments when integrated as counterions to the metals when applied in their acid form for pH modifications, as noted. Tables 1 and 2 include further pH modifiers that may similarly confer benefits on their embodiments, and these are also noted. Table 1 – pH modifiers (acids) # of pKa(s) Approximate Acid carbon 1 2 water Beneficial intrinsic atoms solubility (M) properties Hydrobromic 0 < 0 -- 9 -- Hydrochloric 0 < 0 -- > 10 -- Hydroiodic 0 < 0 -- 8 -- iodic acid 0 1 -- > 10 Sporicide metaphosphoric acid 0 2 2 chelating agent Nitric 0 < 0 -- > 10 plant nutrient Perchloric 0 < 0 -- > 10 Sporicide periodic acid 0 -- > 10 Sporicide sulfamica0 1 8 2 Sporicide Sulfuric 0 < 0 2 > 10 -- Sulfurous 0 2 7 1 Disinfectant Formic 1 4 -- > 10 -- aceticb2 5 -- > 10 -- etidronic acid 2 1 3 > 10 chelating agent Lactic 3 4 -- > 10 Sporicide Malonic 3 3 6 7 Sporicide Propionic 3 5 -- > 10 -- Pyruvic 3 3 -- > 10 Sporicide Malic 4 3 5 4 Sporicide Succinic 4 4 6 < 1 -- Sulfosuccinic 4 < 0 5 5 -- Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Maleic 4 2 6 4 Sporicide Fumaric 4 3 4 <1 -- 2-furoic 5 3 -- <1 Sporicide α-ketoglutaric acid 5 3 6 <1 Sporicide 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid 6 4 6 < 1 chelating agent gluconic acid 6 4 -- 2 Sporicide Dodine 15 14 -- Fungicide dodecyl benzene sulfonicc18 < 0 -- <1 -- aand its N-substituted derivatives band its 2-substituted derivatives cand its isomers Table 2 – pH modifiers (bases) Beneficial Base # of carbon conjugate Approximate water Atoms acid pKa solubility (M) intrinsic properties Ammonia 0 9 18 plant nutrient potassium hydroxide 0 16 > 10 -- sodium hydroxide 0 16 > 10 -- Guanidine 1 14 6 plant nutrient potassium carbonate 1 10 8 -- sodium carbonate 1 10 3 -- Ethanolamine 2 8 > 10 -- Diethanolamine 4 8 10 -- disodium iminodiacetic acid 4 10 chelating agent tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane 4 8 4 chelating agent Triethanolamine 6 8 7 chelating agent Triethylamine 6 11 1 ligating agent trisodium nitrilotriacetic acid 6 10 2 chelating agent tetrapotassium EDTAa10 11 1 chelating agent tetrasodium EDTAa10 11 1 chelating agent aand the myriad other mixed cation, alkaline earth cation, and ammonium derivatives of EDTA The copper and zinc species listed above will be easily processed into a solution, particularly if one or more processing aids from Tables 1 and / or 2 are utilized. But, in certain instances, other compounds may be used that are not as easy to process into a solution, but have Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] other advantages. The cupric and zinc salts of the unfunctionalized carboxylic monoacid series (e.g., Tables 3 and 4) are not nearly as soluble in water as previously-listed species. The native solubility of cupric and zinc salts comprising more than four carbon atoms total (i.e., of the fatty acids) is lower than preferable for these embodiments. However, homologs up to the dilaurates may be processed to form stable copper zinc solutions with either the support of processing aids (Tables 1 and 2) or physical interventions (e.g., elevated temperature, high shear, sonication, etc.), or both. These cupric and zinc salts may be described as, inter alia, “fatty acid metal salt,” “metal[lic] soap,” “surfactant,” “tallowate,” or “fixed [metal].” The incorporation of these salts into either water or an aqueous system that is principally water (inter alia, “(dis)soluble,” “dispersible,” “suspendible”) and their combination results in types of formulations that may be characterized as, inter alia, “suspension,” “dispersion,” “colloid,” or “liquid crystal,” although each is in solution. For the purposes of this disclosure, the respective terms “fatty acid metal salt,” “dispersible,” and “dispersion” will be used. Dispersions of fatty acid metal salts (such as the combination of zinc and copper compounds listed in Table 3 and Table 4) tend toward lower surface tensions on hydrophobic (colloquially “waxy”) substrates compared to the ionically stronger compositions based just on cupric and zinc compounds like those listed in the second paragraph of the Detailed Description. This difference could be particularly advantageous at certain points of use. For example, in agricultural sprays, particles with comparatively lower tension on a waxy surface generally possess a greater intrinsic capacity to spread on a foliar substrate after deposition, which constitutes an improvement over ionically-strong copper and zinc formulations when spreading is desirable, and may obviate the need to incorporate a “spray adjuvant” in the spray mix at additional cost and effort. Table 3 Formulable copper salts from the unfunctionalized carboxylic monoacid series Compound # of carbon Approximate water Atoms conjugate acid pKasolubility (M) copper (II) formate 2 1 copper (II) acetate 4 0.5 copper (II) propionate 6 4 – 5 0.1 copper (II) butyratea8 Dispersible copper (II) valeratea10 Dispersible Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Compound # of carbon Approximate water Atoms conjugate acid pKa solubility (M) copper (II) caproatea12 Dispersible copper (II) enanthatea14 Dispersible copper (II) caprylatea16 Dispersible copper (II) pelargonatea18 Dispersible copper (II) capratea20 Dispersible a copper (II) undecylate 22 Dispersible copper (II) lauratea24 Dispersible a and its isomers Table 4 Formulable zinc salts from the unfunctionalized carboxylic monoacid series Entry Compound # of carbon Approximate water atoms conjugate acid pKasolubility (M) 1 zinc (II) formate 2 0.3 2 zinc (II) acetate 4 2 3 zinc (II) propionate 6 1 a 4 zinc (II) butyrate 8 0.05 a 5 zinc (II) valerate 10 Dispersible a 6 zinc (II) caproate 12 Dispersible 4 – 5a7 zinc (II) enanthate 14 Dispersible a 8 zinc (II) caprylate 16 Dispersible a 9 zinc (II) pelargonate 18 Dispersible a 10 zinc (II) caprate 20 Dispersible a 11 zinc (II) undecylate 22 Dispersible a 12 zinc (II) laurate 24 Dispersibleaand its isomers The following copper and zinc salts are further exemplars of the disclosure: (1) combinations of cupric and zinc salts with organic anions, principally but not exclusively derivatives of entries in Tables 3 and 4; (2) mixed cation salts, principally but not exclusively Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] from the copper and zinc compounds listed in the second paragraph of the Detailed Description derivatized with entries from Tables 1 and 2, especially as compounds of polydentate chelating agents; and (3) ammine complexes, principally but not exclusively derivatives of entries of any of copper and zinc compounds listed in the second paragraph of the Detailed Description above or in Tables 3 and 4. Examples of further common cupric and zinc salts with organic anions are listed in Table 5 below. Examples of further mixed cation salts of copper (II) and zinc are listed in Table 6 below. Examples of further ammine complexes of cupric and zinc salts are listed in Table 7 below. Other common cupric and zinc salts may also be suitable for incorporation. Table 5. Further common cupric and zinc salts with organic anions # of conjugate acid Approximate Compound carbon pKa(s) water atoms1 2solubility (M)copper (II) glycolate 4 4 -- copper (II) tartrate 4 3 4 zinc ethylsulfate 4 < 0 -- zinc malate 4 3 5 zinc maleate 4 2 6 copper (II) lactate 6 4 -- copper (II) pyruvate 6 3 -- zinc galactarate 6 3 5 zinc lactate 6 4 -- 0.22 copper (II) acetylacetonate 10 10 -- zinc acetylacetonate 10 10 -- 0.026 copper (II) ethyl acetoacetate 12 11 -- copper (II) gluconate 12 4 -- zinc gluconate 12 4 -- zinc acexamate 16 5 -- zinc bis(isobutyl maleate) 16 2 -- zinc polyoxin D 17 3 5 0.085 copper (II) undecylenate 22 5 -- zinc undecylenate 22 5 -- Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] # of conjugate acid Approximate Compound carbon pKa(s) water atoms1 2solubility (M)zinc bis(2-ethylhexyl maleate) 24 2 -- hematoporphyrin copper 34 5 5 zinc bacitracin 66 4 4 0.003 Table 6 Mixed cation salts of copper (II) and zinc # of conjugate acid Approximate Compound carbon pKa(s) water atoms1 2solubility (M)ammonium copper (II) chloride 0 < 0 -- ammonium copper (II) sulfate 0 < 0 2 copper (II) dipotassium etidronate 2 1 3 zinc ammonium acetate 6 5 -- copper (II) diammonium EDTA 10 11 7 copper (II) disodium EDTA 10 11 7 zinc dipotassium EDTA 10 11 7 2.3 zinc disodium EDTA 10 11 7 2.6 copper (II) trisodium DTPA 14 11 7 zinc trisodium DTPA 14 11 7 sodium copper (II) chlorophyllin 34 4 5 Table 7 Ammine complexes of cupric and zinc salts # of conjugate acid Compound carbon pKa(s) atoms 1 2 tetraamminecopper (II) chlorate (“Chertier’s copper”) 0 < 0 -- tetraamminecopper (II) hydroxide (“Schweitzer’s reagent”) 0 16 -- Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] # of conjugate acid Compound carbon pKa(s) atoms 1 2 tetraamminecopper (II) sulfate 0 < 0 2 tetraammine zinc sulfate 0 < 0 2 bis(acetato-κO)diamminecopper (“cuprammonium acetate”) 4 5 -- Primarily for managing antimicrobial resistance, various organizations recommend dividing the burden of combating disease pressure among multiple antimicrobial agents with different modes of action whenever feasible. For example, it is common in an agricultural setting to follow this guidance by either applying multimodal mixtures, rotating agents in a sequence of applications, or using an application regime that hybridizes those two strategies. Without further iteration, any of the compositions described thus far may naturally fit into a rotation of applications, but there may also be benefits to iterating certain embodiments into multimodal mixtures. The basic science of the mode(s) of action of these novel copper plus zinc compositions is not entirely settled as of this moment, but at least two modes of action seem exceedingly unlikely to be implicated. These combinations of copper and zinc compounds are unlikely to exert any meaningful microbe control as either photocatalysts (or in some quarters, if perhaps more ambiguously, “photosensitizers”) or as oxidants sufficiently powerful to qualify as sterilants, which by one authoritative definition are compounds “capable of destroying all forms of microbial life in the inanimate environment, including all forms of vegetative bacteria, bacterial spores, fungi, fungal spores, and viruses.” It may benefit certain embodiments to incorporate these complementary modes of action, both for the inherent addition to overall antimicrobial activity and to differentiate them as multimodal mixtures, which are desirable. Those embodiments that already benefit from these modes of action on the bases of the anions integrated with the cupric and zinc salts, acids used in pH modification, or a combination of those may yet benefit from still more photocatalytic and sterilizing capacity. A large number of photocatalysts and sterilants may be formulable in the context of this invention, and with no intention to be limiting, Table 8 provides a list of exemplar chemical families from which inputs for the compositions may be selected. It bears mention that several of the entries in Table 8 are either impractical or impossible to incorporate either as the anion in the Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] cupric and zinc salts of the composition or in conjunction with a pH adjustment, and perhaps the only feasible method to incorporate them is by admixture with the rest of the formulation. Table 8 Exemplar photocatalyst and sterilant chemical families whose members are generally suitable for these compositions Entry Chemical Family Purpose 1 Aldehydes Sterilant 2 aluminum compoundsaphotocatalyst 3 anthraquinones photocatalyst 4 bismuth compoundsaphotocatalyst bromine, chlorine, and iodine 5 oxides, their anions, and the Sterilant conjugate acids of their anions 6 cadmium compoundsaphotocatalyst 7 cerium compoundsaphotocatalyst 8 Chlorins photocatalyst 9 chromium compoundsaphotocatalyst 10 cobalt compoundsaphotocatalyst 11 Corrins photocatalyst 12 Curcuminoids photocatalyst 13 Flavins photocatalyst 14 gold compoundsaphotocatalyst 15 indium compoundsaphotocatalyst 16 iron compoundsaphotocatalyst 17 manganese compoundsaphotocatalyst 18 molybdenum compoundsaphotocatalyst 19 nitrous acid and its salts sterilant 20 palladium compoundsaphotocatalyst 21 peracidsband their anions sterilant Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 22 permetallatescsterilant 23 peroxidesdand their anions sterilant 24 perylenequinones photocatalyst 25 Phenols Sterilant 26 Porphyrins Photocatalyst 27 Pterins Photocatalyst 28 quaternary ammonium saltseSterilant 29 silver compoundsaPhotocatalyst 30 Tetrapyrroles Photocatalyst 31 tin compoundsaPhotocatalyst 32 titanium compoundsaPhotocatalyst 33 tungsten compoundsaPhotocatalyst 34 vanadium compoundsaPhotocatalystaincluding, e.g., the elemental compound, its oxides, and heterostructures of either of thesebincluding, e.g., acetic, propionic, and pivalic peroxides, and peroxymonosulfuric acid (“Caro’s acid”)cmost preferably permanganatedincluding, e.g., hydrogen peroxide and t-butyl hydroperoxideemost preferably benzalkonium salts Embodiments may comprise a combination of cupric and zinc components like those listed above in the second paragraph of the Detailed Description and in Tables 3 – 7, processing aids like those listed in Tables 1 and 2, and complementary admixed antimicrobial agents such as those in Table 8. For the agricultural spray market, rainfastening agents may be included. By way of example, these could be members of any of the chemical families in Table 9, among others. Finally, dependent upon the rainfastening agent, the composition may further benefit and be differentiated by the inclusion of a defoamer (e.g., simethicone). Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Table 9 Chemical families comprising members that are generally suitable as rainfasteners in agricultural spray applications of these compositions Entry Chemical Family 1 Alkanolamides 2 alkydsa3 alkyl, aryl, and alkylaryl (or “alkaryl”) polyethoxyethanol phosphates and sulfates 4 betainesb5 latexc6 long chain fatty acids (LCFAs)dand their esters (LCFEs) 7 paraffinse8 phenolic resin 9 polyethylene glycol and its aminated derivatives 10 polyvinylalcoholsa11 polyacrylatesa12 polyacrylamidesa13 polysorbatesaand their esters 14 sugar estersfaand copolymers of thembincluding phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and sulfo- and phosphobetaines, and in particular cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB)csynthetic and naturaldincluding seed and tall oil fatty acidseincluding, broadly, those predominantly hydrocarbon materials selectively described with terms of art such as “crop oil,” “mineral oil,” “paraffin base petroleum oil,” “pinolene,” etc.fincluding sorbitans, sorbitols, and glucosides Examples 48-121 of embodiments of the disclosed copper and zinc compositions are listed in Table 10 below. Each composition is described as a concentrate that would be diluted prior to use in most applications. The copper and zinc components, processing aids, and admixed antimicrobials of each composition are generally fine chemicals traded on purity and conveniently Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] stipulated in millimole (mM), as in Table 10 with an error of ± 0.1 mM. Constituent rainfasteners and defoamers are generally specialty chemicals more conveniently stipulated in either weight percentage or parts per million (ppm), with mg / L and mg / kg effectively interchangeable for these purposes. Table 10 – Examples of compositions of the disclosure Copper Zinc Processing aid(s) Admixed Rainfastener(s) component(s) component(s) antimicro (defoamer) bial(s) CuZn48 300 mM 300 mM -- Cu(NO3)2Zn(NO3)2CuZn49 300 mM 300 mM -- Cu(NH2SO3)2 Zn(NH2SO3)2 CuZn50 300 mM 300 mM 300 mM NH2SO3H Cu(NH2SO3)2 Zn(NH2SO3)2 CuZn51 300 mM 300 mM 1000 mM NH2SO3H Cu(NH2SO3)2 Zn(NH2SO3)2 CuZn52 300 mM 300 mM 2000 mM NH2SO3H Cu(NH2SO3)2Zn(NH2SO3)2CuZn53 100 mM 100 mM -- Cu(C6H12O2)2Zn(C6H12O2)2CuZn54 100 mM 100 mM -- Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 CuZn55 100 mM 100 mM -- Cu(C10H20O2)2 Zn(C10H20O2)2 CuZn56 100 mM 100 mM 200 mM NH3 Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 CuZn57 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3 Cu(C8H16O2)2Zn(C8H16O2)2CuZn58 100 mM 100 mM 600 mM NH3 Cu(C8H16O2)2Zn(C8H16O2)2CuZn59 100 mM 100 mM 800 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 CuZn60 100 mM 100 mM 1000 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 CuZn61 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3 Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 200 mM dodine CuZn62 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3 Cu(C8H16O2)2Zn(C8H16O2)2400 mM dodine CuZn63 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3 Cu(C8H16O2)2Zn(C8H16O2)2200 mM NH2SO3H CuZn64 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 400 mM NH2SO3H CuZn65 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 200 mM 2-furoic acid Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Copper Zinc Processing aid(s) Admixed Rainfastener(s) component(s) component(s) antimicro (defoamer) bial(s) CuZn66 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 400 mM 2-furoic acid CuZn67 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2Zn(C8H16O2)2200 mM lactic acid CuZn68 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 400 mM lactic acid CuZn69 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 200 mM malic acid CuZn70 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3 Cu(C8H16O2)2Zn(C8H16O2)2400 mM malic acid CuZn71 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3 Cu(C8H16O2)2Zn(C8H16O2)2200 mM SSA CuZn72 100 mM 100 mM 400 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2Zn(C8H16O2)2400 mM SSA CuZn73 300 mM CuSO4300 mM Zn(C4H6O5) CuZn74 100 mM 100 mM Cu(C6H12O7)2 Zn(C6H12O7)2 CuZn75 200 mM CuSO4 200 mM Zn(C8H14NO3)2CuZn76 200 mM CuSO4 100 mM Zn(C8H12O4)2CuZn77 100 mM CuSO4100 mM Zn polyoxin D CuZn78 43 mM 43 mM Zn--Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D CuZn79 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D CuZn80 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM NH3 Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D 200 mM sulfamic acid CuZn81 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D 200 mM lactic acid CuZn82 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM NH3Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D 200 mM malic acid CuZn83 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM NH3 -- Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D 200 mM SSA CuZn84 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM NH3 KNO2 Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D 200 mM SSA CuZn85 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM guanidine -- Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D CuZn86 43 mM 43 mM Zn 213 mM guanidine -- Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D 213 mM sulfamic acid CuZn87 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM guanidine -- Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D 200 mM lactic acid Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Copper Zinc Processing aid(s) Admixed Rainfastener(s) component(s) component(s) antimicro (defoamer) bial(s) CuZn88 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM guanidine Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D 200 mM malic acid CuZn89 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM guanidine Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D 200 mM SSA CuZn90 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM guanidine Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D 200 mM SSA CuZn91 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM TRIS Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D CuZn92 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM TRIS Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D 200 mM sulfamic acid CuZn93 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM TRIS -- Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D 200 mM lactic acid CuZn94 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM TRIS -- Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D 200 mM malic acid CuZn95 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM TRIS -- Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D 200 mM SSA CuZn96 43 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM TRIS 1000 mM Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D 200 mM SSA KNO2 CuZn97 200 mM CuSO4 100 mM -- -- Zn(C11H20O2)2CuZn98 100 mM 100 mM -- -- Cu(C11H20O2)2Zn(C11H20O2)2CuZn99 100 mM 100 mM 200 mM guanidine 1000 mM Cu(C11H20O2)2Zn(C11H20O2)2200 mM malic acid KNO2CuZn100 20 mM SCC 300 mM ZnSO4-- -- CuZn101 20 mM SCC 300 mM -- -- Zn(C4H6O5) CuZn102 20 mM SCC 100 mM -- -- Zn(C6H12O7)2 CuZn103 20 mM SCC 100 mM -- -- Zn(C8H16O2)2 CuZn104 20 mM SCC 43 mM Zn -- -- polyoxin D CuZn105 20 mM SCC 100 mM 200 mM guanidine 1000 Zn(C8H12O4)2200 mM malic acid KNO2CuZn106 300 mM 100 mM -- -- Cu(NH3)4(OH)2Zn(C8H16O2)2CuZn107 300 mM CuSO420 mM Zn- -- -- bacitracin CuZn108 300 mM 300 mM ZnSO4 Cu(NH3)2(OAc)2 CuZn109 300 mM 300 mM Cu(NH3)2(OAc)2Zn(C4H6O5) CuZn110 300 mM 100 mM Cu(NH3)2(OAc)2Zn(C6H12O7)2 Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Copper Zinc Processing aid(s) Admixed Rainfastener(s) component(s) component(s) antimicro (defoamer) bial(s) CuZn111 300 mM 100 mM Cu(NH3)2(OAc)2 Zn(C8H16O2)2 CuZn112 300 mM 43 mM Zn Cu(NH3)2(OAc)2polyoxin D CuZn113 300 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM guanidine -- Cu(C8H16O2)2polyoxin D 200 mM sulfurous acid CuZn114 100 mM 43 mM Zn 200 mM guanidine 12.5 mM Cu(C8H16O2)2 polyoxin D 200 mM sulfurous TiO2 acid CuZn115 300 mM 100 mM 200 mM guanidine -- Cu(NH3)2(OAc)2Zn(C11H20O2)2200 mM sulfurous acid CuZn116 300 mM 100 mM 200 mM guanidine 12.5 mM Cu(NH3)2(OAc)2 Zn(C11H20O2)2 200 mM sulfurous TiO2 acid CuZn117 20 mM SCC 100 mM 200 mM guanidine -- -- Zn(C8H12O4)2 200 mM sulfurous acid CuZn118 20 mM SCC 100 mM 200 mM guanidine 12.5 mM -- Zn(C8H12O4)2 200 mM sulfurous TiO2 acid CuZn119 300 mM 100 mM 200 mM guanidine 1000 mM 10 wt % PVA Cu(NH2SO3)2 Zn(C8H11O4)2 200 mM malic acid KNO2 12.5 mM TiO2CuZn120 123 mM 123 mM 613 mM guanidine 1000 mM 5 wt % CAPB Cu(NH2SO3)2 Zn(C8H11O4)2 613 mM malic acid KNO2 (200 ppm 12.5 mM simethicone) TiO2CuZn121 300 mM 100 mM 200 mM guanidine 1000 10 wt % Cu(NH2SO3)2Zn(C8H11O4)2200 mM malic acid KNO2polyacrylate 12.5 mM TiO2During the preparation, processing aids may be used to adjust the pH of the solution to aid in dissolving the zinc and / or copper in solution. The processing aid may be added during or after processing. The pH may be increased or decreased as needed. The pH of these embodiments generally falls spontaneously into the range of approximately 4.0 ± 0.1 – approximately 6.0 ± 0.1 at the moment of assembly. In certain other embodiments, the pH of the composition is either below 7.0 ± 0.1 or above 12.0 ± 0.1. In certain embodiments, a final assembled pH between 0.5 Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] ± 0.05 and 6.5 ± 0.05 is generally preferable, and a pH between 1.0 ± 0.1 and 5.5 ± 0.1 is generally more preferable. In other embodiments, a pH of greater than 3.5 ± 0.1 is generally more preferable. The disclosed compositions may have a copper concentration of between 1.5 mM and 15 M ± 1 mM. Certain embodiments may have a copper concentration of between 15 mM and 1.5 M ± 1 mM. Preferably, the copper concentration may be between 150 – 450 mM ± 1 mM. The disclosed compositions may have a zinc concentration of between 1.5 mM and 15 M ± 1 mM. Certain embodiments may have a zinc concentration of between 15 mM and 1.5 M ± 1 mM. Preferably, the zinc concentration may be between 150 – 450 mM ± 1 mM. The composition may have a ratio of copper to zinc of 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 0.9:1, 0.8:1, 0.7:1, 0.6:1, 0.5:1, 0.4:1, 0.3:1, 0.2:1, or 0.1:1. The compositions may be applied topically by spraying, for example, to the leaves of plants with a fungal infection such as powdery mildew. Once on the surface, the disinfecting properties of the copper ion can remain effective for a considerable period of time. For use as a foliar spray, an appropriate amount of a stock solution of water or a solvent that is equal to or greater to 80% water by weight may be added with continued stirring or mixing to a dilution of, for example, 200- fold to produce a final concentration, for example, of 1.5 - 2 mM of copper in the combined product. The composition may be diluted 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90, 1:100, 1:110, 1:120, 1:130, 1:140, 1:150, 1:160, 1:170, 1:180, 1:190, 1:200, 1:210, 1:220, 1:230, 1:240, 1:250, 1:300, 1:350, 1:400, 1:450, 1:500, 1:600, 1:700, 1:800, 1:850, 1:900, 1:950, and 1:1000. The following are examples of methods of preparing disclosed solutions: Example 1: The preparation of CuZn49 is one of the least complicated examples: Copper sulfamate (76.716 g, MW = 255.72 g / mol, 300 mmol) is dissolved in ca.400 mL water and mixed well, whereupon zinc sulfamate (77.265 g, MW = 257.55 g / mol, 300 mmol) is added to the formed solution and mixed well, whereupon the solution is made up to 1.00 L. Aliquots are diluted, e.g., by a factor of 150 for applications, as in the foregoing example. Example 2: The preparation of CuZn78 is of intermediate complexity: Copper octanoate (14.910 g, MW = 349.95 g / mol, 43 mmol) is dispersed into ca.150 mL water under the influence of a dispersion blade, a rotor-stator, or a similar high energy mixing technology. In a separate vessel, zinc polyoxin D (25.000 g, MW = 586.78 g / mol, 43 mmol) is mixed well in Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] ca.500 mL water with the assistance of sonication. The zinc polyoxin D solution is added to the copper octanoate dispersion, and its residues are thoroughly rinsed into the mixture with the assistance of 3 × 100 mL water. The mixture is briefly resubjected to high energy mixing and then made up to 1.00 L. Aliquots are diluted, e.g., by a factor of 20 for applications, as in the foregoing example. Example 3: The preparation of CuZn86 incorporates pH modifiers: Copper octanoate (14.910 g, MW = 349.95 g / mol, 43 mmol) is dispersed into ca.150 mL water under the influence of a dispersion blade, a rotor-stator, or a similar high energy mixing technology. In a separate vessel, zinc polyoxin D (25.000 g, MW = 586.78 g / mol, 43 mmol) is mixed well in ca.500 mL water with the assistance of sonication. The zinc polyoxin D solution is added to the copper octanoate dispersion, whereupon the vessel previously containing it is charged with ca.250 mL water, into which guanidine (12.584 g, MW = 59.07 g / mol, 213 mmol) and sulfamic acid (20.684 g, MW = 97.10 g / mol, 213 mmol) are successively dissolved and mixed well. This solution is transferred to the mixture of copper octanoate and zinc polyoxin D in water made previously, and its residues are thoroughly rinsed into the mixture with the assistance of 3 × 25 mL water. The mixture is briefly resubjected to high energy mixing and then made up to 1.00 L. Aliquots are diluted, e.g., by a factor of 20 for applications, as in the foregoing example. Example 4: The preparation of CuZn109 utilizes a commercial solution: Zinc malate (59.244 g, MW = 197.48 g / mol, 300 mmol) is added to a preformed 30 wt % solution of cuprammonium acetate in water (215.7 g, 64.71 g , 215.70 g / mol, 300 mmol) and made up to 1.00 L under vigorous mixing. Aliquots are diluted, e.g., by a factor of 150 for applications, as in the foregoing example. Example 5: The preparation of CuZn120 is among the most complicated examples: Zinc bis(isobutyl maleate) (50.000 g, MW = 407.72 g / mol, 123 mmol) is dispersed into ca.500 mL water under the influence of a dispersion blade, a rotor-stator, or a similar high energy mixing technology. Copper sulfamate (31.360 g, MW = 255.72 g / mol, 123 mmol) is charged to the dispersion with simple mixing, while in a separate vessel, guanidine (36.219 g, MW = 59.07 g / mol, 613 mmol) and malic acid (82.219 g, MW = 134.09 g / mol, 613 mmol) are combined in 250 mL 50 mM titanium dioxide freshly prepared by the hydrolysis of titanium isopropoxide (3.553 g, MW = 284.22 g / mol, 12.5 mmol) and mixed vigorously before potassium nitrite (85.10 g, MW = 85.10 g / mol, 1000 mmol) is added. The mixture of guanidine, malic acid, potassium nitrite, Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] and titanium dioxide is added to the mixture of zinc bis(isobutyl maleate) and copper sulfamate, and its residues are thoroughly rinsed into the mixture with the assistance of 3 × 50 mL water. The mixture is briefly resubjected to high energy mixing before cocamidopropyl betaine (50 g) and simethicone (200 mg) are added, whereupon the mixture is made up to 1.00 L and mixed well. Aliquots are diluted, e.g., by a factor of 60 for applications, as in the foregoing example. An additional set of copper-zinc (CuZn) embodiments, designated as Table 11, presents additional embodiments beyond those described in Table 10. Table 11 lists further CuZn formulations, each comprising specific copper and zinc components, and in some cases, specialized processing aids that serve as pH modifiers or contribute to the overall antimicrobial activity. The examples in Table 11 incorporate a range of acid modifiers, including monoprotic, diprotic, and triprotic acids, and present diverse copper-to-zinc ratios and formulation strategies. While none of the examples in Table 11 incorporate rainfasteners and / or defoamers from Table 9, such components may be added to the compositions in Table 11 as desired. In these embodiments, the processing aids are not inorganic mineral acids. Inorganic mineral acids, also referred to as mineral acids, are a class of acids derived from inorganic compounds and are characterized by their ability to dissociate in water to produce hydrogen ions (H⁺). Common examples of inorganic mineral acids include hydrochloric acid (HCl), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), nitric acid (HNO₃), and phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄). In the context of the present embodiments, other types of acids, such as organic acids or less corrosive pH modifiers, are generally preferred over inorganic mineral acids due to their improved safety profile, compatibility with the active ingredients, and reduced risk of phytotoxicity or environmental impact. Certain embodiments of the antimicrobial compositions are formulated with a solvent that comprises at least 80% water by weight or contain at least 80% water by weight. In certain embodiments, the water content is increased to 95% or greater by weight, providing a highly aqueous medium that enhances the solubility and dispersion of the active copper and zinc components. Table 11. Additional embodiments comprising copper and zinc Composition Copper component(s) Zinc component(s) Processing aid(s) CuZn49B Cu (OH) CO 2 3 2 2 3 ZnO NH SO H (sulfamic acid) CuZn122 Cu2(OH)2CO3 ZnO CH3CH(OH)CO2H Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] (lactic acid) CuZn123 Cu2(OH)2CO3 ZnO cis-(CHCO2H)2 (maleic acid) CuZn124 Cu2(OH)2CO3 ZnO trans-(CHCO2H)2 (fumaric acid) CH═CHOC(CO2H)═CH CuZn125 Cu2(OH)2CO3 ZnO └─────────┘────┘ (2-furoic acid) CuZn126 Cu(OH)CO ZnO 2 2 2 22 3(CHCOH) (succinic acid) CuZn127 Cu(OH)CO Zn (CH2C(SO3H))(CO2H2 22 3O ) (sulfosuccinic acid) CuZn128 Cu2(OH)2CO3 ZnO (CH═C(CO2H))2O (2,5-furandicarboxylic acid) CuZn131 Cu(OH)CO ZnO 2 2 22 3HOCHCOH (glycolic acid) (CHCHC(O))(COH) CuZn132 Cu2(OH)2CO ZnO 2 2 2 2 3 (ɑ-ketoglutaric acid, ɑ-KGA) CuZn133 Cu2(OH)2CO3 ZnO (CH2CHOH)(CO2H)2(malic acid, MA) CuZn134 Cu OH)CO ZnO 2 2(2 3AcNH(CH2)5COH (acexamic acid) CuZn135 Cu(OH)CO ZnO 2 4 2 22 3HOCH(CHOH)COH (gluconic acid) sodium copper Zn(Ac2CH)2CuZn229 chlorophyllin (zinc acetyl- (SCC) acetonate, zinc acac) The in vitro mycelial growth suppression an embodiment of the invention achieves by comparison to that growth in a contemporaneous uncontrolled specimen indicates the utility of the disclosed embodiments. The data presented in Table 12 illustrates the antimicrobial efficacy of these copper-zinc (CuZn) formulations against several agriculturally significant pathogens, including Botrytis Cinerea, Phytophthora Capsici, Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum, Phytophthora Infestans, Stemphylium Spp., and Colletotrichum Spp. Each formulation was tested at a concentration of 2 mM with an error of ± 0.1 mM for both copper and zinc components, and CuZn125 was additionally tested at 1 ± 0.1 mM (i.e., half the default in vitro dose), and the results are expressed as the percentage of suppression of mycelial growth relative to untreated controls. Each composition is described as a concentrate that would be diluted prior to use in most applications. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] CuZn125 applied at 2 ± 0.1 mM demonstrated 100% suppression across all pathogens tested, and even at 1 ± 0.1 mM achieved at or near 100% suppression across all pathogens tested, highlighting the high level of efficacy achieved. Similarly, CuZn127, CuZn133, and CuZn135 exhibited near-complete suppression for most pathogens, with values consistently exceeding 90%. On the other hand, CuZn229 showed limited activity against Botrytis Cinerea and Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum, achieving only 25.85% and 50.29% suppression, respectively, but demonstrated stronger activity against Phytophthora Capsici with 87.06% suppression. Certain compositions, such as CuZn125, achieved broad-spectrum efficacy, while others, like CuZn229, exhibited pathogen-specific activity. Table 12 provides a detailed comparison of the formulations, emphasizing the potential of copper-zinc combinations in addressing diverse agricultural pathogens. Table 12: Antimicrobial Efficacy Of Copper-Zinc Compositions Against Agriculturally Significant Pathogens .p.m C)m) )psompositionurur )sm m uh aioitAnoitBnsnAnsnBerce e eneuil ceisoir iora nmitsa mmits yhrmtio i p . aelc.csc.eelpc ceefceecfceptmellss.pnBsi( .pnsi( ( .ps(eto P S S P P S C CuZn49B 99.46% 99.71% 99.35% -- -- -- -- -- CuZn78 99.85% 99.96% 99.89% -- -- -- -- -- CuZn108 96.80% 97.55% 75.21% -- -- -- -- -- CuZn122 99.39% 98.21% 82.94% -- -- -- -- -- CuZn123 99.57% 96.78% 81.74% -- -- -- -- -- CuZn124 99.68% 94.26% 80.65% -- -- -- -- -- CuZn125 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% -- -- -- -- -- ½ dose CuZn12596.46% 100.00% 89.37% 100.00% 93.39% 97.17% 96.98% 92.54% CuZn126 89.97% 100.00% 90.36% 93.21% 96.21% 94.55% 97.52% 66.91% CuZn127 90.94% 100.00% 87.67% 98.41% 97.50% 97.46% 100.00% 85.65% CuZn128 93.96% 100.00% 87.26% -- -- -- -- -- CuZn131 100.00% 98.40% 88.93% -- -- -- -- -- CuZn132 98.26% 100.00% 84.67% 92.75% 83.81% 83.22% 95.66% 61.13% CuZn133 100.00% 93.38% 84.19% 100.00% 81.51% 80.84% 95.44% 78.82% CuZn134 100.00% 100.00% 91.47% 92.91% 97.26% 96.53% 100.00% 67.96% CuZn135 95.11% 100.00% 93.06% 93.77% 94.22% 93.75% 100.00% 87.41% Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] CuZn229 25.85% 87.06% 50.29% -- -- -- -- -- Table 13 presents the mycelial growth suppression data for the individual copper (CuX) and zinc (ZnX) constituents of each CuZnX composition at a concentration of 2 mM with an error of ± 0.1 mM, along with the antimicrobial activity associated with the corresponding processing aids in their potassium (KX) and ammonium (NH4X) salt forms. The table details the percentage suppression of mycelial growth for several pathogens, including Botrytis Cinerea, Phytophthora Capsici, and Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum, when exposed to each component separately. The results reveal that the copper and zinc constituents, as well as the processing aids, generally provide moderate levels of suppression, with most values ranging from 30% to 80% depending on the pathogen and the specific compound. The data illustrate that while individual components can achieve significant antimicrobial activity, the combined copper-zinc formulations typically outperform their separate parts, demonstrating the importance of synergistic effects in these compositions. Table 13. Mycelial growth suppression of copper (CuX), zinc (ZnX), and processing aid constituents of composition CuZnX at 2.0 ± 0.1 mM. m ur )Com o i i na io eitAp s t ocnreisoeniprcelm.aiccscB. . ep P Ss(NH449B 0.00% 5.18% 0.00% Cu49B 83.61% 99.52% 25.71% Zn49B 63.27% 58.80% 70.04% Cu78 99.91% 99.90% 99.66% Zn78 93.35% 0.00% 49.28% Cu108 29.01% 99.02% 41.22% Zn108 82.70% 65.94% 51.51% K122 4.70% 0.00% 0.72% Cu122 68.86% 99.57% 38.62% Zn122 72.77% 59.36% 47.38% K123 17.43% 2.44% 15.13% Cu123 69.93% 99.32% 38.92% Zn123 84.62% 58.94% 57.29% K124 8.85% 0.00% 0.00% Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Cu124 65.25% 99.75% 42.20% Zn124 71.84% 62.43% 55.51% K125 0.00% 79.44% 64.92% Cu125 73.16% 100.00% 84.60% Zn125 64.77% 100.00% 78.65% K126 0.00% 0.00% 22.48% Cu126 62.58% 100.00% 36.33% Zn126 61.47% 58.14% 41.62% K127 0.00% 0.00% 7.38% Cu127 72.03% 100.00% 36.95% Zn127 56.75% 60.60% 54.51% K128 0.00% 0.00% 7.66% Cu128 69.90% 100.00% 22.03% Zn128 65.11% 66.68% 55.64% K131 24.17% 65.86% 4.54% Cu131 81.80% 99.74% 29.62% Zn131 58.99% 65.46% 44.79% K132 0.00% 0.00% 5.44% Cu132 72.27% 100.00% 32.44% Zn132 61.53% 52.43% 47.59% NH4133 0.00% 16.04% 0.00% K133 0.00% 0.00% 6.15% Cu133 66.79% 73.00% 18.37% Zn133 61.69% 56.66% 50.71% K134 0.00% 0.00% 4.16% Cu134 58.03% 100.00% 22.49% Zn134 58.03% 63.95% 44.65% K135 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Cu135 70.28% 100.00% 31.85% Zn135 59.64% 62.53% 50.17% Cu229 0.00% 0.00% 21.96% Zn229 55.42% 74.19% 57.97% The demonstrated effects on mycelial growth suppression are not simply the result of doubling the overall transition metal concentration as compared to the separate copper and zinc components. There is no definitive provenance on how to quantify the benefit of excess mycelial growth suppression (“synergy”) gained when copper and zinc are deployed in conjunction with each other. Most people ordinarily skilled in the art, however, would likely forecast combined mycelial growth suppression (“activity”, a) as compounding percents; in these examples ofbinary CuZnX compositions, that means ^^^^^^ = ^^^^ + ^^^^ × (1 − ^^^^). Therefore,excess activity as “%% synergy” could be measured as: Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] %% synergy =^^^^^^^ + ^ × (1 − ^ − 1^^^ ^^^ ^^^)Such %% synergies for 15 embodiments studied at 2 mM against each of B. cinerea, P. capsici, and S. sclerotiorum are presented alongside recapitulated CuX, ZnX, and CuZnX activities in Table 14. According to these calculations, every embodiment of the invention except CuZn229 enjoys positive %% synergy against B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum. CuZn133 and CuZn229 display positive %% synergy against P. capsici. CuZn229 stood out for its strong synergy against Phytophthora Capsici, despite limited activity against Botrytis Cinerea and Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum (see Table 13), highlighting the potential of this formulation as a photocatalyst-based solution. Table 14. In vitro Activities, %% Synergies, and Rankings of %% Synergies For Fifteen Embodiments Against Botrytis Cinerea, Phytophthora Capsici, and Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum Alongside Their Sum Synergies at 2 ± 0.1 mM ) aeicm reisurAp.onnit eCompositionicacSormi.B.Pelccesps(Cu49B 83.61% 99.52% 25.71%Zn49B 63.27% 58.80% 70.04%CuZn49B 99.46% 99.71% 99.35%%% synergy 5.83% -0.09% 27.79%(#10) (#10) (#8) Cu108 29.01% 99.02% 41.22%Zn108 82.70% 65.94% 51.51%CuZn108 96.80% 97.55% 75.21%%% synergy 10.35% -2.12% 5.19%(t. #3) (t. #11) (#13) Cu122 68.86% 99.57% 38.62%Zn122 72.77% 59.36% 47.38%CuZn122 99.39% 98.21% 82.94%%% synergy 8.60% -1.62% 22.51%(t. #7) (t. #11) (t. #9) Cu123 69.93% 99.32% 38.92% Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT]Zn123 84.62% 58.94% 57.29%CuZn123 99.57% 96.78% 81.74%%% synergy 4.40% -2.95% 10.59%(#13) (#14) (#11)Cu124 65.25% 99.75% 42.20%Zn124 71.84% 62.43% 55.51%CuZn124 99.68% 94.26% 80.65%%% synergy 10.49% -5.65% 8.57%(t. #3) (#15) (#12)Cu125 73.16% 100.00% 84.60%Zn125 64.77% 100.00% 78.65%CuZn125 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%%% synergy 10.44% 0.00% 3.40%(t. #3) (t. #3) (#14)Cu126 62.58% 100.00% 36.33%Zn126 61.47% 58.14% 41.62%CuZn126 89.97% 100.00% 90.36%%% synergy 5.13% 0.00% 43.82%(t. #11) (t. #3) (#3)Cu127 72.03% 100.00% 36.95%Zn127 56.75% 60.60% 54.51%CuZn127 90.94% 100.00% 87.67%%% synergy 3.45% 0.00% 22.93%(#14) (t. #3) (t. #9)Cu128 69.90% 100.00% 22.03%Zn128 65.11% 66.68% 55.64%CuZn128 93.96% 100.00% 87.26%%% synergy 4.99% 0.00% 33.40%(t. #11) (t. #3) (#6)Cu131 81.80% 99.74% 29.62%Zn131 58.99% 65.46% 44.79%CuZn131 100.00% 98.40% 88.93%%% synergy 8.07% -1.51% 45.44%(t. #7) (t. #11) (#2)Cu132 72.27% 100.00% 32.44%Zn132 61.53% 52.43% 47.59%CuZn132 98.26% 100.00% 84.67%%% synergy 9.99% 0.00% 31.08%(t. #3) (t. #3) (#7)Cu133 66.79% 73.00% 18.37%Zn133 61.69% 56.66% 50.71%CuZn133 100.00% 93.38% 84.19%%% synergy 14.58% 5.75% 40.87%(#2) (#2) (t. #4)Cu134 58.03% 100.00% 22.49% Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Zn134 58.03% 63.95% 44.65%CuZn134 100.00% 100.00% 91.47%%% synergy 21.38% 0.00% 60.21%(#1) (t. #3) (#1) Cu135 70.28% 100.00% 31.85%Zn135 59.64% 62.53% 50.17%CuZn135 95.11% 100.00% 93.06%%% synergy 8.07% 0.00% 40.91%(t. #7) (t. #3) (t. #4) Cu229 -8.35% 0.00% 21.96%Zn229 55.42% 74.19% 57.97%CuZn229 25.85% 87.06% 50.29%%% synergy -50.00% 17.35% -25.17%(#15) (#1) (#15) CuZn125 demonstrates the significant advantages of incorporating processing aids, counterions, and formulation partners, as outlined in Table 1, Table 2, Table 8, and Table 9. Among examples, CuZn125 achieved 100% suppression of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mycelial growth, outperforming the individual components Cu125 and Zn125, which suppressed growth by 85% and 79%, respectively. The processing aid K125 alone exhibited 65% suppression, highlighting the antimicrobial activity of this component. CuZn125 showed strong efficacy at lower concentrations than typically used, achieving comparable or superior suppression against other pathogens, including Phytophthora infestans, Stemphylium spp., and Colletotrichum spp., with suppression levels for the latter exceeding 90%. Among several good candidates for further description, the prominence of the broader spectrum activity and %% synergies effected by embodiments CuZn125, CuZn133, and CuZn125 may best exemplify the benefit possible from the judicious application of formulation partners such those listed in Tables 1, 2, 8, and 9 to rationally matched forms of copper and zinc. The foregoing data do not demonstrate whether there are molar ratios of copper and zinc compounds superior to a 1:1 ratio. Adequate microbial control at a smaller overall metal application is desirable, but a smaller application of the copper component specifically is even more desirable; an embodiment with a molar ratio of zinc to copper as high as 6:1 may be beneficial, particularly if it is more strongly antimicrobial than another embodiment at copper parity, and such is the case even if the overall metal application is necessarily increased by virtue of the amount of zinc present. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] As a first example, in the case of CuZn78, the antimicrobial power of Cu78 in vitro appears to be the overriding influence on the suppression of mycelial growth. These embodiments maintain nearly complete suppression across dwindling content of the zinc component until the level applied is reduced nearly twentyfold from default conditions, by which time there is no discernable benefit from the amount of zinc supplied by Zn78 (Table 15). Table 15. Mycelial growth suppression by CuZn78, its components, and selected derivatives of it at different Cu : Zn ratios and decreasing application sizes indexed to copper content ) aeicm r oeisurAp.onComp s nit eitionic.acS B.ormiPelccesps(2 ± 0.1 mM Cu78 99.91% 99.90% 99.66% 2 ± 0.1 mM Zn78 93.35% 0.00% 49.28% 2 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 1 Cu78–Zn78 99.85% 99.96% 99.89% 2 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.85 Cu78–Zn78 99.95% 99.95% 99.93% 2 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.68 Cu78–Zn78 99.87% 99.88% 99.91% 2 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.51 Cu78–Zn78 99.77% 99.90% 99.85% 2 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.34 Cu78–Zn78 99.76% 99.88% 99.85% 2 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.17 Cu78–Zn78 99.85% 99.92% 99.77% 1 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.51 Cu78–Zn78 99.00% 99.00% 99.00% 1 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.34 Cu78–Zn78 99.00% 99.00% 99.00% 1 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.17 Cu78–Zn78 99.00% 99.00% 99.00% 0.4 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.51 Cu78–Zn78 99.00% 99.00% 99.00% 0.4 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.34 Cu78–Zn78 99.00% 99.00% 99.00% 0.4 ± 0.1 mM 1 : 0.17 Cu78–Zn78 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 1 : 0.17 Cu78–Zn78 32.74% 59.64% 50.85% Because Cu78 is one of the more expensive forms of copper, an embodiment comprising a minimal amount of Cu78 synergizing with, e.g., a larger dose of zinc or a more potent form of zinc is extremely beneficial. Prior art establishes Zn78 as an orthogonal antimicrobial itself roughly thirtyfold as potent as Cu78 on a molar basis, which should confer an advantage to the invention. Thus, there are several potential benefits to embodiments of CuZn78, including the potential of the addition of an amount of a second zinc compound (e.g., Table 16). Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Table 16. Compositions of CuZn78 elaborated with Zn125, Zn127, Zn133, and Zn135 m a)eicur ire so n pitACompositionicacorne. .elmiB Pcsc.ep Ss(0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 179 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 6 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 149 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 5 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 119 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 4 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 89 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 3 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 59 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 2 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 29 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 1 : 1 Zn–Cu) >50% >75% >55% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 14 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 1 : 2 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 9 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 1 : 3 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 6.5 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 1 : 4 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 5 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 1 : 5 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 4 Cu78–Zn78–Zn125 (comprises 1 : 6 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 179 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 6 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 149 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 5 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 119 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 4 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 89 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 3 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 59 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 2 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 29 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 1 : 1 Zn–Cu) >50% >75% >55% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 14 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 1 : 2 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 9 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 1 : 3 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 6.5 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 1 : 4 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 5 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 1 : 5 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 4 Cu78–Zn78–Zn127 (comprises 1 : 6 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 179 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 6 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 149 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 5 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 119 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 4 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 89 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 3 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 59 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 2 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 29 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 1 : 1 Zn–Cu) >50% >75% >55% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 14 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 1 : 2 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 9 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 1 : 3 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 6.5 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 1 : 4 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 5 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 1 : 5 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 4 Cu78–Zn78–Zn133 (comprises 1 : 6 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 179 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 6 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 149 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 5 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 119 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 4 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 89 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 3 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 59 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 2 : 1 Zn–Cu) >60% >90% >60% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 29 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 1 : 1 Zn–Cu) >50% >75% >55% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 14 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 1 : 2 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 9 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 1 : 3 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 6.5 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 1 : 4 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 5 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 1 : 5 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% 0.1 ± 0.01 mM 30 : 1 : 4 Cu78–Zn78–Zn135 (comprises 1 : 6 Zn–Cu) >40% >60% >50% Lower copper-to-zinc ratios (particularly lower than 1:1) can reduce costs and mitigate copper phytotoxicity, provided the overall metal concentration remains effective for microbial suppression. The disclosed approach focuses on achieving antimicrobial activity parity at reduced overall metal concentrations, with an emphasis on lower copper content. This flexibility allows for adjustments based on specific use cases, as demonstrated by the exploration of copper–zinc ratios in and application sizes of CuZn125 (Table 17). FIG.1-FIG.8 benchmark in vitro activities of these formulations against expected suppressions and different amounts of both and each copper and zinc constituent to inform consideration about the preferability of an embodiment because the amount of copper incorporated is “small” while the microbial power is “high”. With total in vitro metal concentrations not exceeding 1 mM, these formulations exhibit notable antimicrobial activity across a range of copper-to-zinc ratios (6:1 to 1:3). For example, certain compositions with total in vitro metal concentrations of 0.875 mM, 0.75 mM, 0.625 mM, and 0.5 mM achieve comparable or superior activity to the reference formulation Cu125–1 (1 mM copper alone). The plots are organized left to right according to gradually decreasing copper content and generally decreasing overall metal content in the experiment. The overall millimolar amount of metal applied and the millimolar amount of copper contained are also plotted. Qualitatively, higher bars farther right may reasonably be said to indicate a superior formulation, and there is signal in the upper quadrant of the data against each pathogen except the S. sclerotiorum specimens. Among the benchmarks, a 1 mM application of Cu125 had the strongest antimicrobial effect in vitro without exception. Perhaps surprisingly, the other components of CuZn125 at their respective doses did not conform to any particular order, but the data against each pathogen seem self-consistent. For example, both P. infestans specimens show fair susceptibility to Zn125, which comports with the comparatively strong increase in antimicrobial effect observed for CuZn–a–b embodiments in each instance b increased at constant a. Quantitatively, every formulation more Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] suppressive in vitro than a benchmark 1 mM dose of Cu125 is an improvement; as is immediately discernable from FIG. 1-FIG. 8, this is the case with 7 of 9 CuZn125 embodiments against B. cinerea, cumulatively 5 of 18 against both S. sclerotiorum specimens tested, cumulatively 10 of 18 against both P. infestans specimens tested, 5 of 9 against Stemphylium sp., and 8 of 9 against Colletotrichum sp. Less obvious is how CuZn125–0.5–0.125 – i.e., a 0.625 mM dose of metal overall – is more suppressive against P. capsici than an 0.75 mM dose of either Cu125 or Zn125; the trend is the same with CuZn125–0.25–0.5 against S. sclerotiorum specimen B, CuZn125– 0.25–0.25 against P. infestans specimen A, CuZn125–0.5–0.25 and CuZn125–0.25–0.5 against P. infestans specimen B, CuZn125–0.25–0.25 against Stemphylium sp. and CuZn125–0.25–0.125 against Colletotrichum sp. This reduction in total metal content highlights the potential for optimizing antimicrobial performance while minimizing metal usage, thereby reducing costs and mitigating potential phytotoxicity. The data further illustrate that lower copper concentrations, when paired with zinc, can maintain or enhance efficacy, underscoring the synergistic benefits of these copper-zinc combinations. The concentrations of zinc, copper and total metal have an error of ± 0.01 M. CuZn125 iterations detailed in Table 17 reveal that specific CuZn125–a–b compositions at varied copper and zinc ratios can achieve antimicrobial activity that is equal to or greater than that of formulations with higher overall metal concentrations or higher Cu125 content. For instance, CuZn125–0.5–0.25 and CuZn125–0.75–0.125 demonstrate comparable or superior suppression of mycelial growth against Phytophthora infestans specimens, Stemphylium sp., and Colletotrichum sp. Similarly, CuZn125–0.25–0.25 and CuZn125–0.5–0.125 are effective against Phytophthora infestans, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Stemphylium sp., and Colletotrichum sp. These results indicate that CuZn125 formulations can maintain or enhance antimicrobial efficacy even at reduced total metal concentrations and lower copper content, supporting the use of optimized copper-zinc ratios for broad-spectrum pathogen control. The concentrations of zinc, copper, and total metal have an error of ± 0.01 M.

[0002] Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Table 17: Suppression of Mycelial Growth by CuZn125–a–b Compositions at Varied Copper–Zinc Ratios .p.m)m A) )psurour )sm Composition aiitnoitBsnAsnBm u uih erc eor eorneacitnis eatsnns elyrtpelmielmiefmiefmihp oteic c c cae e e elc cmlcn ns s i ic p p p p.oe. . t. . .s s s s( ( ( (B P S S P P S C K125–1 0.00% 56.90% 12.85% 10.73% 1.91% 2.61% 0.00% 0.51% NH4125–1 1.58% 73.46% 16.30% 12.07% 20.87% 21.16% 11.86% 23.87% Cu125–1 37.90% 100.00% 27.66% 32.32% 51.72% 52.17% 64.68% 73.68% Cu125–0.75 31.99% 92.96% 23.44% 20.60% 23.62% 22.57% 32.55% 71.09% Zn125–0.25 1.44% 36.03% 1.90% 0.68% 9.53% 11.81% 16.95% 7.33% CuZn125– 0.75–0.25 32.97% 95.50% 24.89% 21.14% 30.90% 31.71% 43.98% 73.21% (expected) CuZn125– 71.04% 100.00% 33.33% 31.06% 65.87% 64.42% 81.10% 91.33% 0.75–0.25 %% synergy 115.47% 4.72% 33.88% 46.93% 113.18% 103.12% 84.39% 24.75% Cu125–0.75 31.99% 92.96% 23.44% 20.60% 23.62% 22.57% 32.55% 71.09% Zn125–0.125 3.42% 26.15% 3.26% 0.00% 6.89% 8.52% 5.80% 0.00% CuZn125– 0.75–0.125 34.32% 94.80% 25.94% 20.60% 28.88% 29.17% 36.46% 71.09% (expected) CuZn125– 56.86% 100.00% 25.89% 26.57% 57.02% 54.97% 62.70% 82.25% 0.75–0.125 %% synergy 65.70% 5.48% -0.18% 28.98% 97.42% 88.47% 71.96% 15.70% Cu125–0.5 30.77% 72.34% 18.34% 15.15% 7.15% 6.84% 1.90% 54.80% Zn125–0.5 9.81% 48.93% 17.39% 14.25% 24.64% 23.30% 36.91% 15.09% CuZn125– 0.5–0.5 37.56% 85.87% 32.54% 27.24% 30.03% 28.55% 38.11% 61.62% (expected) CuZn125– 70.99% 100.00% 34.93% 32.95% 71.67% 67.84% 86.45% 88.56% 0.5–0.5 %% synergy 89.00% 16.45% 7.34% 20.96% 138.68% 137.65% 126.85% 43.72% Cu125–0.5 30.77% 72.34% 18.34% 15.15% 7.15% 6.84% 1.90% 54.80% Zn125–0.25 1.44% 36.03% 1.90% 0.68% 9.53% 11.81% 16.95% 7.33% CuZn125– 0.5–0.25 31.77% 82.31% 19.89% 15.73% 16.00% 17.84% 18.53% 58.11% (expected) CuZn125– 56.18% 100.00% 22.77% 22.61% 55.34% 49.76% 69.90% 93.30% 0.5–0.25 Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] %% synergy 76.85% 21.50% 14.47% 43.77% 245.91% 178.89% 277.27% 60.55% Cu125–0.5 30.77% 72.34% 18.34% 15.15% 7.15% 6.84% 1.90% 54.80% Zn125–0.125 3.42% 26.15% 3.26% 0.00% 6.89% 8.52% 5.80% 0.00% CuZn125– 0.5–0.125 33.14% 79.57% 21.00% 15.15% 13.55% 14.78% 7.59% 54.80% CuZn125– 0.5–0.125 42.35% 95.26% 18.03% 20.71% 33.31% 29.47% 40.72% 80.15% %% synergy 27.80% 19.71% - 14.15% 36.70% 145.88% 99.43% 436.51% 46.26% Cu125–0.25 1.32% 53.61% 4.04% 1.34% 4.11% 2.95% 0.00% 31.14% Zn125–0.75 29.12% 68.75% 26.44% 25.38% 35.70% 35.32% 46.29% 16.30% CuZn125– 0.25–0.75 30.06% 85.50% 29.41% 26.38% 38.34% 37.23% 46.29% 42.36% (expected) CuZn125– 0.25–0.75 66.21% 89.00% 32.72% 36.07% 62.93% 55.31% 72.45% 82.38% %% synergy 120.29% 4.09% 11.25% 36.73% 64.12% 48.57% 56.51% 94.46% Cu125–0.25 1.32% 53.61% 4.04% 1.34% 4.11% 2.95% 0.00% 31.14% Zn125–0.5 9.81% 48.93% 17.39% 14.25% 24.64% 23.30% 36.91% 15.09% CuZn125– 0.25–0.5 11.00% 76.31% 20.73% 15.40% 27.74% 25.56% 36.91% 41.53% (expected) CuZn125– 0.25–0.5 45.95% 78.64% 26.33% 24.51% 52.41% 45.88% 71.00% 90.54% %% synergy 317.71% 3.06% 27.03% 59.17% 88.95% 79.48% 92.36% 118.01% Cu125–0.25 1.32% 53.61% 4.04% 1.34% 4.11% 2.95% 0.00% 31.14% Zn125–0.25 1.44% 36.03% 1.90% 0.68% 9.53% 11.81% 16.95% 7.33% CuZn125– 0.25–0.25 2.74% 70.32% 5.86% 2.01% 13.25% 14.41% 16.95% 36.19% (expected) CuZn125– 0.25–0.25 28.03% 69.78% 10.62% 13.03% 25.66% 21.64% 46.28% 83.73% %% synergy 922.62% -0.77% 81.13% 547.97% 93.68% 50.16% 173.04% 131.38% Cu125–0.25 1.32% 53.61% 4.04% 1.34% 4.11% 2.95% 0.00% 31.14% Zn125–0.125 3.42% 26.15% 3.26% 0.00% 6.89% 8.52% 5.80% 0.00% CuZn125– 0.25–0.125 4.69% 65.74% 7.17% 1.34% 10.72% 11.22% 5.80% 31.14% (expected) CuZn125– 0.25–0.125 11.71% 63.25% 8.22% 5.83% 12.95% 11.28% 23.22% 71.85% %% synergy 149.42% -3.79% 14.67% 335.07% 20.84% 0.55% 300.34% 130.73% Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] CuZn133 iterations detailed in Table 18 demonstrate that certain CuZn133–a–b compositions at specific copper and zinc ratios can achieve antimicrobial activity equal to or greater than that of formulations with higher overall metal concentrations or higher Cu133 content. For example, CuZn133–0.25–0.5 and CuZn133–0.5–0.25 exhibit comparable or superior suppression of mycelial growth against both Sclerotinia sclerotiorum specimens, both Phytophthora infestans, and Stemphylium sp. Similarly, CuZn133–0.25–0.75, CuZn133–0.5–0.5, and CuZn133–0.75–0.25 maintain or exceed efficacy against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Phytophthora infestans. Additionally, CuZn133–0.5–0.25 and CuZn133–0.75–0.125 demonstrate that lower concentrations of Cu133, when paired with Zn133, can match or outperform higher overall metal concentrations and higher Cu133 content against Phytophthora infestans specimens, Stemphylium sp., and Colletotrichum sp. Likewise, CuZn133–0.25–0.25 and CuZn133–0.5–0.125 are effective against Phytophthora infestans, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Stemphylium sp., and Colletotrichum sp. These results highlight the potential for CuZn133 formulations to optimize antimicrobial efficacy while reducing total metal content. Table 18. Suppression of Mycelial Growth by CuZn133–a–b Compositions at Varied Copper–Zinc Ratios .p.m)m) )psuroA ur )sm CompositioniitneoitBnsenAsBm u anenneuih lcicisormiormitsa paelmitsmyihrte p otcc ce lscsceefceenfinicemellp p p p oe. . t. . .s s s s( ( ( (P S S P P S C K133–1 0.00% 7.44% 2.29% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% NH473–1 0.00% 8.63% 6.40% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Cu133–1 100.00% 18.39% 10.35% 16.16% 18.16% 43.16% 74.40% Cu133–0.75 98.92% 12.70% 11.13% 4.65% 5.67% 23.26% 70.87% Zn133–0.25 0.00% 3.91% 3.85% 6.91% 7.94% 23.91% 1.16% CuZn133–0.75–0.25 98.92% 16.11% 14.55% 11.24% 13.16% 41.61% 71.21% (expected) CuZn133–0.75–0.25 95.44% 32.29% 9.99% 23.14% 25.25% 59.21% 87.94% %% synergy -3.52% 100.39% -31.35% 105.90% 91.87% 42.30% 23.50% Cu133–0.75 98.92% 12.70% 11.13% 4.65% 5.67% 23.26% 70.87% Zn133–0.125 0.00% 5.62% 0.49% 4.66% 6.54% 4.99% 0.00% Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] CuZn133–0.75–0.125 (expected) 98.92% 17.61% 11.57% 9.09% 11.84% 27.09% 70.87% CuZn133–0.75–0.125 99.33% 17.24% 4.43% 11.63% 13.40% 46.20% 80.07% %% synergy 0.41% -2.08% -61.70% 27.90% 13.18% 70.55% 12.98% Cu133–0.50 81.54% 10.24% 6.47% 0.00% 0.00% 4.66% 62.10% Zn133–0.50 0.00% 12.60% 8.16% 12.82% 13.38% 39.97% 3.98% CuZn133–0.5–0.5 (expected) 81.54% 21.55% 14.10% 12.82% 13.38% 42.77% 63.61% CuZn133–0.5–0.5 73.90% 37.67% 8.77% 37.21% 38.88% 82.36% 81.03% %% synergy -9.37% 74.80% -37.81% 190.25% 190.58% 92.58% 27.39% Cu133–0.50 81.54% 10.24% 6.47% 0.00% 0.00% 4.66% 62.10% Zn133–0.25 0.00% 3.91% 3.85% 6.91% 7.94% 23.91% 1.16% CuZn133–0.5–0.25 (expected) 81.54% 13.75% 10.07% 6.91% 7.94% 27.46% 62.54% CuZn133–0.5–0.25 79.15% 10.87% 0.00% 19.82% 18.53% 51.29% 88.17% %% synergy -2.93% -20.94% - 100.00% 186.83% 133.38% 86.81% 40.98% Cu133–0.50 81.54% 10.24% 6.47% 0.00% 0.00% 4.66% 62.10% Zn133–0.125 0.00% 5.62% 0.49% 4.66% 6.54% 4.99% 0.00% CuZn133–0.5–0.125 (expected) 81.54% 15.28% 6.93% 4.66% 6.54% 9.42% 62.10% CuZn133–0.5–0.125 84.27% 16.52% 0.00% 6.79% 9.59% 28.10% 80.19% %% synergy 3.35% 8.08% - 100.00% 45.71% 46.64% 198.38% 29.13% Cu133–0.25 48.96% 0.00% 1.91% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 35.24% Zn133–0.75 0.00% 21.25% 19.45% 30.36% 29.69% 51.34% 6.20% CuZn133–0.25–0.75 (expected) 48.96% 21.25% 20.99% 30.36% 29.69% 51.34% 39.26% CuZn133–0.25–0.75 42.24% 34.86% 23.27% 43.78% 55.59% 73.12% 58.82% %% synergy -13.73% 64.05% 10.87% 44.20% 87.23% 42.42% 49.84% Cu133–0.25 48.96% 0.00% 1.91% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 35.24% Zn133–0.50 0.00% 12.60% 8.16% 12.82% 13.38% 39.97% 3.98% CuZn133–0.25–0.5 (expected) 48.96% 12.60% 9.91% 12.82% 13.38% 39.97% 37.82% CuZn133–0.25–0.5 42.37% 19.69% 10.79% 32.90% 28.46% 61.93% 83.95% %% synergy -13.46% 56.27% 8.83% 156.63% 112.71% 54.94% 121.99% Cu133–0.25 48.96% 0.00% 1.91% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 35.24% Zn133–0.25 0.00% 3.91% 3.85% 6.91% 7.94% 23.91% 1.16% CuZn133–0.25–0.25 (expected) 48.96% 3.91% 5.69% 6.91% 7.94% 23.91% 35.99% CuZn133–0.25–0.25 59.28% 21.31% 1.58% 9.19% 7.46% 42.07% 81.27% %% synergy 21.08% 445.01% -72.21% 33.00% -6.05% 75.95% 125.81% Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Cu133–0.25 48.96% 0.00% 1.91% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 35.24% Zn133–0.125 0.00% 5.62% 0.49% 4.66% 6.54% 4.99% 0.00% CuZn133–0.25–0.125 (expected) 48.96% 5.62% 2.39% 4.66% 6.54% 4.99% 35.24% CuZn133–0.25–0.125 57.75% 14.34% 4.18% 0.85% 0.00% 6.07% 72.98% %% synergy 17.95% 155.16% 74.85% -81.76% - 100.00% 21.64% 107.09% The in vitro conditions of these additional embodiments are substantially transferrable to an ex vitro agricultural application. The compositions may be applied topically by spraying, for example, to the leaves of plants when conditions favor a fungal infection such as powdery mildew. Once on the surface, the prophylactic properties of the copper ion can remain effective for a considerable period of time. Based on the observation that an in vitro application of CuZn125 requires approximately half the concentration of active ingredients by comparison to a precedented antimicrobial applied as 50- to 200-fold dilution, a successful application of CuZn125 may be expected from a 100- to 400-fold dilution of CuZn125, or a spray solution ca.0.75 – 3 mM in each metallic component. For use as a foliar spray, an appropriate amount of a stock solution of water or a solvent that is equal to or greater to 80% water by weight may be added with continued stirring or mixing to a dilution of, for example, 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90, 1:100, 1:110, 1:120, 1:130, 1:140, 1:150, 1:160, 1:170, 1:180, 1:190, 1:200, 1:210, 1:220, 1:230, 1:240, 1:250, 1:300, 1:350, 1:400, 1:450, 1:500, 1:600, 1:700, 1:800, 1:850, 1:900, 1:950; 1:1000; 1:1250; 1:1500, 1:1750; 1:2000; 1:2250; and 1:2500. ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES Example 6: The method of assembly for CuZn49B, CuZn122, CuZn131, CuZn134, CuZn135, and one method of assembly for CuZn125 are substantially similar and incorporate monoprotic acids (organic or inorganic) as pH modifiers: Water is poured over a mixture of solid copper (II) carbonate basic (33.17 g, MW = 221.12 g / mol, 150 mmol ( = 300 mmol Cu (II))) and solid zinc oxide (24.42 g, MW = 81.39 g / mol, 300 mmol) until the overall volume of the heterogeneous mixture is ca. 500 mL. The heterogeneous mixture is mixed vigorously until all solids are free-flowing, whereupon 1200 mmol of the requisite monoprotic acid is added. The acid may be a pure or substantially pure solid or liquid, or it may be a solid or liquid solution, provided the amount of any diluent / solvent is generally inert within the context of the invention and its presence is minimized to the extent practicable. Any Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] diluent / solvent carrying the acid should not promote heterogeneity following dilution of the CuZnX concentrate at the point of use in a foreseeable application. The diluent / solvent carrying the acid should not materially affect the antimicrobial activity of the composition following dilution of the CuZnX concentrate at the point of use in a foreseeable application, which could be because, e.g., either a diluent / solvent has no intrinsic antimicrobial activity that would be either beneficial or deleterious to the object of the invention or any diluent / solvent with some intrinsic antimicrobial activity would not be present in sufficient quantity to be either beneficial or deleterious to the object of the invention. Any diluent / solvent other than water carrying the acid should not be present by weight at more than 20% of the weight of water present in the CuZnX concentrate. The acid charge in its form as charged should not amount to more than ca.500 mL without a commensurate reduction in advance of the amount of water exemplified above so the forming mixture will occupy less than ca.1000 mL after the acid charge. For example, CuZn49B was assembled with sulfamic acid (116.51 g, MW = 97.09 g / mol) charged as a solid, CuZn122 was assembled with lactic acid (108.10 g, 90.08 g / mol) charged as a neat liquid, CuZn131 was assembled with glycolic acid (91.26 g odb, MW = 76.05 g / mol) charged as a solution in water (ca.70%), CuZn134 was assembled with acexamic acid (207.85 g, MW = 173.21 g / mol) charged as a solid, CuZn135 was assembled with gluconic acid (235.39 g odb, MW = 196.16 g / mol) charged as a solution in water (45 – 50%), and CuZn125 was assembled with 2-furoic acid (134.50 g, MW = 112.08 g / mol) charged as a solid. The mixture is made up to 1 L with water. Even concentrates that are not oversaturated when assembly is completed are agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 200 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Example 7: The methods of assembly for CuZn123, CuZn124, CuZn126, CuZn128, CuZn132, and CuZn133 are substantially similar and incorporate diprotic acids (organic or inorganic) as pH modifiers: Water is poured over a mixture of solid copper (II) carbonate basic (33.17 g, MW = 221.12 g / mol, 150 mmol ( = 300 mmol Cu (II))) and solid zinc oxide (24.42 g, MW = 81.39 g / mol, 300 mmol) until the overall volume of the heterogeneous mixture is ca. 500 mL. The heterogeneous mixture is mixed vigorously until all solids are free-flowing, whereupon 1200 mmol of the requisite diprotic acid is added. The second proton of the diprotic acids may not contribute Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] effectively to the required pH modification for the preferred formulations. However, it is plausible that 600 mmol of a diprotic acid with a sufficiently low second pKa could adequately fulfill the requirements of the described method. The acid may be a pure or substantially pure solid or liquid, or it may be a solid or liquid solution, provided the amount of any diluent / solvent is generally inert within the context of the invention and its presence is minimized to the extent practicable. Any diluent / solvent carrying the acid should not promote heterogeneity following dilution of the CuZnX concentrate at the point of use in a foreseeable application. The diluent / solvent carrying the acid should not materially affect the antimicrobial activity of the composition following dilution of the CuZnX concentrate at the point of use in a foreseeable application, which could be because, e.g., either a diluent / solvent has no intrinsic antimicrobial activity that would be either beneficial or deleterious to the object of the invention or any diluent / solvent with some intrinsic antimicrobial activity would not be present in sufficient quantity to be either beneficial or deleterious to the object of the invention. Any diluent / solvent other than water carrying the acid should not be present by weight at more than 20% of the weight of water present in the CuZnX concentrate. The acid charge in its form as charged should not amount to more than ca.500 mL without a commensurate reduction in advance of the amount of water exemplified above so the forming mixture will occupy less than ca.1000 mL after the acid charge. For example, CuZn123 was assembled with maleic acid (139.28 g, MW = 116.07 g / mol) charged as a solid, CuZn124 was assembled with fumaric acid (139.28 g, MW = 116.07 g / mol) charged as a solid, CuZn126 was assembled with succinic acid (141.71 g, MW = 118.09 g / mol) charged as a solid, CuZn128 was assembled with 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (187.31 g, MW = 156.09 g / mol) charged as a solid, CuZn132 was assembled with α-ketoglutaric acid (175.32 g, MW = 146.10 g / mol) charged as a solid, and CuZn133 was assembled with malic acid (160.91 g, MW = 134.09 g / mol) charged as a solid. The mixture is made up to 1 L with water. Even concentrates that are not oversaturated when assembly is completed are agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 200, for most applications including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Example 8: The method of assembly for CuZn127 incorporates a triprotic acid as a pH modifier: Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Water is poured over a mixture of solid copper (II) carbonate basic (33.17 g, MW = 221.12 g / mol, 150 mmol ( = 300 mmol Cu (II))) and solid zinc oxide (24.42 g, MW = 81.39 g / mol, 300 mmol) until the overall volume of the heterogeneous mixture is ca.500 mL. The heterogeneous mixture is mixed vigorously until all solids are free-flowing, whereupon sulfosuccinic acid (237.78 g odb, MW = 198.15 g / mol, 1200 mmol) was charged as a solution in water (ca.70%). Any of several other forms of sulfosuccinic acid might have been chosen, 70% in water is simply one example. Furthermore, the sulfosuccinic acid charge might have been reduced to 600 mmol to feature the second proton of sulfosuccinic acid in pH modification. Meanwhile, the third proton of sulfosuccinic acid would not have been productive for the necessary pH modification of a preferred embodiment. However, it is likely that 400 mmol of a compelling triprotic acid with sufficiently low second and third pKas could be used in the disclosed method. The concentrate is made up to 1 L with water and agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 200 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Example 9: CuZn229: Zinc acetoacetate (1.126 g, MW = 281.61 g / mol, 4 mmol) is agitated in ca.100 mL water and mixed well before sodium copper chlorophyllin (2.897 g, MW = 724.15 g / mol, 4 mmol) is added and mixed further, whereupon the opaque green mixture is made up to 200 mL with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 5 – 100 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Someone ordinarily skilled in the art will likely recognize that preceding examples proceeding from copper and / or zinc Brønsted bases feature processing aids whose respective copper and zinc salts are not ubiquitous articles of commerce like, e.g., copper (II) sulfate and zinc chloride. Someone ordinarily skilled in the art is likely also aware that between the copper and the zinc salt of the same anion, the zinc salt is usually considerably more soluble. Thus, for certain use cases of certain CuZn embodiments, it may be convenient to procure the putative but rare copper salt of the processing aid in substantially anhydrous form and the putative but rare zinc salt either in substantially anhydrous form or as an aqueous solution of substantial concentration, then constitute them in a continuous phase of ≥ 80% water either during further processing or at the point of use. This modular approach may be deployed, e.g., to an alternative method of assembly of CuZn125. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] Example 10: CuZn125: A combination of solid zinc oxide (36.22 g, MW = 81.39 g / mol, 445 mmol) and 2-furoic acid (106.48 g, MW = 112.08 g / mol, 950 mmol) is covered with a minimal amount of water to allow thorough agitation, then made up to 445 mL with water. The mixture almost entirely dissolves under its own power, but when dissolution is no longer productive, it is assisted with a brief reflux period, and no precipitates are observed upon cooling 1MZn125 (putative zinc 2-furoate) stock solution in water to ambient and storing. The solubility limit of Cu125 in water is between 20 and 100 mM around ambient conditions and CuZn125 may be embodied at a desired copper-to-zinc ratio in that range (i.e., an equivalent to a CuZn125–a–b from in vitro experiments) at ambient by combining copper (II) 2-furoate (MW = 285.71 g / mol) separately prepared, the requisite amount of putative zinc 2-furoate from the 1 M Zn125 solution thusly prepared, and the outstanding amount of water. In a manner analogous to the preparation of 1 M Zn125, forms equivalent to CuZn125–a–b slightly over the saturation limit may be embodied irreversible dissolution under the influence of a brief heating period, if desired. For example, desirable equivalents to CuZn125–a–b may be embodied at the discretion of the end user and formulated at the point of use according to the requirements of the application. With no intention to be limiting, in vitro results disclosed herein indicate that embodiments of CuZn125 may be advantageously deployed as an agricultural fungicide at roughly half the dose of copper as the prior art of soluble copper fungicides, a plurality of which require multiple applications between 18 and 180 g metallic copper per acre, depending on the crop, the disease(s) of concern and their severity, etc. For example, the following enumerations are indexed against a dose of ca. 30 g metallic copper per acre supplied as the embodiment CuZn125–0.75–0.25 with the caveat that the most beneficial applied amount might credibly lie between 9 and 90 g (i.e., between ca. ⅓ and 3× the stipulation), depending on the crop, the disease(s) of concern and their severity, etc., as anyone ordinarily skilled in the art should understand: 1. an equivalent to CuZn125–0.75–0.25 might be deployed, e.g., as multiple applications during a season of a solution of 150 g Cu125 (525 mmol copper (II) 2-furoate) and 174 mL 1MZn125 (174 mmol putative zinc 2-furoate) in 35 L or more of water to prevent, e.g.: • infiltration of Botrytis cinerea (“gray mold”) on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., strawberries and grapes • infiltration of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (“white mold”) on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., soybean and other legumes Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] • infiltration of Phytophthora infestans (the causative agent of potato, tomato, inter alia “late blight”) on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., potatoes and tomatoes • infiltration of Stemphylium spp. on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., alliums, fruiting vegetables, pome fruits 2. an equivalent to CuZn125–0.5–0.5 might be deployed, e.g., as multiple applications during a season of a solution of 100 g Cu125 (350 mmol copper (II) 2-furoate) and 348 mL 1 M Zn125 (348 mmol putative zinc 2-furoate) in 35 L or more of water to prevent, e.g.: • infiltration of Botrytis cinerea (“gray mold”) on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., strawberries and grapes • infiltration of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (“white mold”) on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., soybean and other legumes • infiltration of Phytophthora infestans (the causative agent of potato, tomato, inter alia “late blight”) on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., potatoes and tomatoes • infiltration of Stemphylium spp. on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., alliums, fruiting vegetables, pome fruits 3. an equivalent to CuZn125–0.5–0.25 might be deployed, e.g., as multiple applications during a season of a solution of 100 g Cu125 (350 mmol copper (II) 2-furoate) and 174 mL 1MZn125 (174 mmol putative zinc 2-furoate) in 25 L or more of water to prevent, e.g., infiltration of Colletotrichum spp. (the causative agents of, e.g., certain types of “anthracnose,”, “bitter rot,” “coffee berry disease,” inter alia) on a 1 acre field of a host, e.g., citrus, olives, and tomatoes 4. an equivalent to CuZn125–0.5–0.125 might be deployed, e.g., as multiple applications during a season of a solution of 100 g Cu125 (350 mmol putative copper (II) 2-furoate) and 87 mL 1MZn125 (87 mmol putative zinc 2-furoate) in 20 L or more of water to prevent infiltration of Phytophthora capsici (the causative agent of pepper, tomato, crucifer, cucurbit, legume, inter alia “blight”) on 1 acre of a host, e.g., bell peppers 5. an equivalent to CuZn125–0.25–0.75 might be deployed, e.g., as multiple applications during a season of a solution of 50 g Cu125 (175 mmol putative copper (II) 2-furoate) and 522 mL 1 M Zn125 (522 mmol putative zinc 2-furoate) in 35 L or more of water to prevent, e.g.: • infiltration of Botrytis cinerea (“gray mold”) on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., strawberries and grapes Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] • infiltration of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (“white mold”) on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., soybean and other legumes • infiltration of Phytophthora infestans (the causative agent of potato, tomato, inter alia “late blight”) on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., potatoes and tomatoes • infiltration of Stemphylium spp. on a 1 acre field of host, e.g., alliums, fruiting vegetables, pome fruits 6. an equivalent to CuZn125–0.25–0.5 might be deployed, e.g., as multiple applications during a season of a solution of 50 g Cu125 (175 mmol putative copper (II) 2-furoate) and 348 mL 1 M Zn125 (348 mmol putative zinc 2-furoate) in 25 L or more of water to prevent, e.g., infiltration of Colletotrichum spp. (the causative agents of, e.g., certain types of “anthracnose,” “bitter rot,” “coffee berry disease,” inter alia) on a 1 acre field of a host, e.g., citrus, olives, and tomatoes Example 11: 30:1 CuZn78 and its 30:1:179, 30:1:149, 30:1:119, 30:1:89, 30:1:59, 30:1:29, 30:1:14, 30:1:9, 30:1:6.5, 30:1:5, and 30:1:4 CuZn78ZnX derivatives: 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution: Copper (II) octanoate (52.49 g, MW = 349.95, 150 mmol) is dispersed into 472.51 g water under the influence of a dispersion blade, a rotor-stator, or a similar high energy mixing technology to prepare a 10 wt % copper soap dispersion. Zinc polyoxin D (2.94 g, MW = 586.78 g / mol, 5 mmol) is added to the mixture, which is resubjected to high energy mixing. 30:1 CuZn78 is completed by making up the mixture to 1 L and agitating vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 1 M ZnX stock solutions: In three different vessels, in a manner similar to 1 M Zn125 and with all the same caveats as Examples 6, 7, and 8, respective combinations of solid zinc oxide (36.22 g, MW = 81.39 g / mol, 445 mmol) and ca.70 wt % sulfosuccinic acid in water (270 g, ca. 188.24 g odb, MW = 198.15 g / mol, 950 mmol) (Zn127), malic acid (127.39 g, MW = 134.09 g / mol, 950 mmol) (Zn133), and 45 – 50 wt % gluconic acid in water (400 g, ca.186.35 g odb, MW = 196.16 g / mol, ca.950 mmol) (Zn135) are made up to 445 mL with water. 30:1:179 CuZn78ZnX: 597 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 351.96 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 1667 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 30:1:149 CuZn78ZnX: 497 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 351.96 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 1667 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 30:1:119 CuZn78ZnX: 397 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 351.96 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 1667 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 30:1:89 CuZn78ZnX: 445 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 30:1:59 CuZn78ZnX: 295 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 30:1:29 CuZn78ZnX: 145 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 30:1:14 CuZn78ZnX: 70 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 30:1:9 CuZn78ZnX: 45 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 30:1:6.5 CuZn78ZnX: 32.5 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 30:1:5 CuZn78ZnX: 25 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 30:1:4 CuZn78ZnX: 20 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 30:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Example 12: 15:1 CuZn78 and its 15:1:89, 15:1:74, 15:1:59, 15:1:44, 15:1:29, 15:1:14, 15:1:6.5, 15:1:4, 15:1:2.75, 15:1:2, and 15:1:1.5 CuZn78ZnX derivatives: 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution: Copper (II) octanoate (52.49 g, MW = 349.95, 150 mmol) is dispersed into 472.51 g water under the influence of a dispersion blade, a rotor-stator, or a similar high energy mixing technology to prepare a 10 wt % copper soap dispersion. Zinc polyoxin D (5.87 g, MW = 586.78 g / mol, 10 mmol) is added to the mixture, which is resubjected to high energy mixing. 15:1:89 CuZn78ZnX: 593 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 351.96 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 1667 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 15:1:74 CuZn78ZnX: 493 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 351.96 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 1667 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 15:1:59 CuZn78ZnX: 393 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 351.96 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 1667 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 15:1 CuZn78 is completed by making up the mixture to 1 L and agitating vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 15:1:44 CuZn78ZnX: 440 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 15:1:29 CuZn78ZnX: 290 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 15:1:14 CuZn78ZnX: 140 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 15:1:6.5 CuZn78ZnX: 65 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 15:1:4 CuZn78ZnX: 40 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 15:1:2.75 CuZn78ZnX: 27.5 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 15:1:2 CuZn78ZnX: 20 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 15:1:1.5 CuZn78ZnX: 15 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 15:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Example 13: 10:1 CuZn78 and its 10:1:59, 10:1:49, 10:1:39, 10:1:29, 10:1:19, 10:1:9, 10:1:4, 10:1:2.33, 10:1:1.5, 10:1:1, and 10:1:0.667 CuZn78ZnX derivatives: 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution: Copper (II) octanoate (52.49 g, MW = 349.95, 150 mmol) is dispersed into 472.51 g water under the influence of a dispersion blade, a rotor-stator, or a similar high energy mixing technology to prepare a 10 wt % copper soap dispersion. Zinc polyoxin D (8.80 g, MW = 586.78 g / mol, 15 mmol) is added to the mixture, which is resubjected to high energy mixing. 10:1 CuZn78 is completed by making up the mixture to 1 L and agitating vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:59 CuZn78ZnX: 590 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 351.96 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 1667 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:49 CuZn78ZnX: 490 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 351.96 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 1667 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:39 CuZn78ZnX: 390 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 351.96 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 50 – 1667 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:29 CuZn78ZnX: 435 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 10:1:19 CuZn78ZnX: 285 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:9 CuZn78ZnX: 135 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:4 CuZn78ZnX: 60 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:2.33 CuZn78ZnX: 35 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:1.5 CuZn78ZnX: 22.5 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:1 CuZn78ZnX: 15 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein. 10:1:0.667 CuZn78ZnX: 10 mL 1 M ZnX stock solution is added to 527.94 g 10:1 CuZn78 stock solution and made up to 1 L with water. The mixture is agitated vigorously before aliquots are withdrawn and diluted, e.g., by a factor of 75 – 2500 for most applications, including the in vitro experiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] What is claimed is:

1. A copper–zinc antimicrobial composition, comprising: a copper component selected from the group consisting of copper (II) carbonate basic, sodium copper chlorophyllin, and combinations thereof; a zinc component selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, zinc acetyl-acetonate, and combinations thereof; at least one processing aid selected from the group consisting of sulfamic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, 2-furoic acid, succinic acid, sulfosuccinic acid, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, glycolic acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, malic acid, acexamic acid, and gluconic acid; and water; wherein the composition comprises both the copper component and the zinc component in a molar ratio of zinc to copper from about 1:6 to about 6:1 and wherein the composition is free of phosphorous acid, phosphoric acid, and nitrite.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the copper component is copper (II) carbonate basic and the zinc component is zinc oxide.

3. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises malic acid.

4. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises acexamic acid.

5. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises gluconic acid.

6. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises lactic acid.

7. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises maleic acid.

8. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises fumaric acid. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 9. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises 2- furoic acid.

10. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises succinic acid.

11. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises sulfosuccinic acid.

12. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises 2,5- furandicarboxylic acid.

13. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises sulfamic acid.

14. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises glycolic acid 15. The composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing aid comprises α- ketoglutaric acid.

16. The composition of any of claims 1-15, wherein the copper component is present at a concentration of 2 mM and the zinc component is present at a concentration of 2 mM.

17. The composition of any of claims 1-15, wherein the copper component is present at a concentration of 1 mM and the zinc component is present at a concentration of 1 mM.

18. The composition of any of claims 1-17, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is from 3:1 to 1:

3.

19. The composition of any of claims 1-18, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is from 2:1 to 1:

2.

20. The composition of any of claims 1-19, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is approximately 1:

1.

21. The composition of any of claims 1-20, wherein the composition is formulated to suppress mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 22. The composition of any of claims 1-20, wherein the composition is formulated to suppress mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici.

23. The composition of any of claims 1-20, wherein the composition is formulated to suppress mycelial growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.

24. The composition of any of claims 1-20, wherein the composition is formulated to suppress mycelial growth of Phytophthora infestans.

25. The composition of any of claims 1-20, wherein the composition is formulated to suppress mycelial growth of Stemphylium spp.

26. The composition of any of claims 1-20, wherein the composition is formulated to suppress mycelial growth of Colletotrichum spp.

27. An antimicrobial composition, comprising: water in an amount of at least 80% by weight; copper (II) octanoate; and at least one zinc compound selected from the group consisting of polyoxin-D zinc and zinc oxide, wherein the molar ratio of copper(II) octanoate to the zinc compound is from about 20:1 to about 1:

20.

28. The composition of claim 27, wherein the composition is free of phosphorous acid, phosphite salts, and ammonium hydroxide.

29. The composition of claim 27 or claim 28, wherein the zinc compound comprises polyoxin-D zinc.

30. The composition of any of claims 27-29, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 1:

1.

31. The composition of any of claims 27-29, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 1.2:

1.

32. The composition of any of claims 27-29, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 1.5:

1.

33. The composition of claim of any of claims 27-29, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 2:

1. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 34. The composition of any of claims 27-29, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 3:

1.

35. The composition of any of claims 27-29, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 5.9:

1.

36. The composition of any of claims 27-29, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 3:

1.

37. The composition of any of claims 27-29, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 6:

1.

38. The composition of any of claims 27-37, further comprising at least one of sulfamic acid, sulfosuccinic acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, or 2-furoic acid as a processing aid.

39. The composition of claim 38, wherein the processing aid comprises 2-furoic acid at a concentration of from about 0.2 mM to about 25 mM.

40. The composition of any of claims 27-39, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea by at least 80%.

41. The composition of any of claims 27-39, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici by at least 80%.

42. The composition of any of claims 27-39, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by at least 90%.

43. A copper–zinc antimicrobial composition, comprising: a copper component comprising copper (II) carbonate basic; a zinc component comprising zinc oxide; 2-furoic acid as a processing aid; and water; wherein the molar ratio of zinc oxide to copper (II) carbonate basic is from about 1:6 to about 6:

1.

44. The composition of claim 43, wherein the molar ratio of zinc oxide to copper (II) carbonate basic is 1:

1.

45. The composition of claim 43, wherein the molar ratio of zinc oxide to copper (II) carbonate basic is 3:1 Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 46. The composition of claim 43, wherein the molar ratio of zinc oxide to copper (II) carbonate basic is 1:

3.

47. The composition of any of claims 43-46, wherein the total amount of copper (II) carbonate basic and zinc oxide is 200 g or less per 1 L of water.

48. The composition of any of claims 43-46, wherein the total amount of copper (II) carbonate basic and zinc oxide is 100 g or less per 1 L of water.

49. The composition of any of claims 43-46, wherein the total amount of copper (II) carbonate basic and zinc oxide is 50 g or less per 1 L of water.

50. The composition of any of claims 43-46, wherein the total amount of copper (II) carbonate basic and zinc oxide is 25 g or less per 1 L of water.

51. An antimicrobial composition comprising: water in an amount of at least 80% by weight; and copper(II) malate and zinc malate; wherein the molar ratio of copper(II) malate to zinc malate is from 3:1 to 1:

3.

52. The composition of claim 51, wherein the total concentration of copper(II) malate and zinc malate is equal to or less than 1 mM.

53. The composition of claim 52, wherein the total concentration of copper(II) malate and zinc malate is approximately 0.5 mM, 0.75 mM, or 1.0 mM.

54. The composition of any of claims 51-53, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is 3:

1.

55. The composition of any of claims 51-53, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is 2:

1.

56. The composition of any of claims 51-53, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is 1:

1.

57. The composition of any of claims 51-53, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is 1:

2.

58. The composition of any of claims 51-53, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is 1:

3.

59. The composition of any of claims 51-58, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by at least 80%. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 60. The composition of any of claims 51-58, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici by at least 75%.

61. The composition of any of claims 51-58, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth of Stemphylium spp. by at least 80%.

62. An antimicrobial composition comprising: water in an amount of at least 80% by weight; copper(II) 2-furoate; and zinc 2-furoate; wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is from 3:1 to 1:

3.

63. The composition of claim 62, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 1:

1.

64. The composition of claim 62, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 3:

1.

65. The composition of claim 62, wherein the molar ratio of copper to zinc is about 1:

3.

66. The composition of any of claims 62-65, wherein the total concentration of copper(II) 2-furoate and zinc 2-furoate is between about 0.5 mM and about 1.0 mM.

67. The composition of any of claims 62-66, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea by at least about 80%.

68. The composition of any of claims 62-66, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth of Phytophthora capsici by at least about 80%.

69. The composition of any of claims 62-66, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by at least about 90%.

70. An antimicrobial composition, comprising: a water component present in an amount of at least 80% by weight; at least one copper compound selected from the group consisting of copper (II) carbonate, copper (II) bromide, copper (II) chloride, copper (II) nitrate, copper (II) perchlorate, copper (II) sulfamate, and copper (II) octanoate; at least one zinc compound selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, zinc bromide, zinc chloride, zinc nitrate, zinc perchlorate, zinc sulfamate, and polyoxin-D zinc; Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] at least one acid processing aid selected from the group consisting of sulfamic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and 2-furoic acid, wherein the composition is free of phosphorous acid and phosphoric acid.

71. The composition of any of claims 1-70, wherein the composition suppresses mycelial growth by at least 80%.

72. The composition of any of claims 1-71, wherein the composition is diluted with a medium comprising at least 80% water.

73. The composition of any of claims 1-72, wherein the composition is diluted at a ratio selected from the group consisting of 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90, 1:100, 1:110, 1:120, 1:130, 1:140, 1:150, 1:160, 1:170, 1:180, 1:190, 1:200, 1:210, 1:220, 1:230, 1:240, 1:250, 1:300, 1:350, 1:400, 1:450, 1:500, 1:600, 1:700, 1:800, 1:850, 1:900, 1:950, 1:1000, 1:1250, 1:1500, 1:1750, 1:2000, 1:2250, and 1:2500.

74. A method to reduce bacteria or fungi on plant matter by applying a composition according to any one of claims 1-73 to the substrate of at least one plant.

75. A method to reduce bacteria or fungi on plant matter by applying a composition according to any one of claims 1-73 to the soil in the vicinity of at least one plant.

76. A foliar antimicrobial spray according to any one of claims 1-73.

77. The composition of any of claims 1-73, wherein the composition does not contain any added inorganic mineral acid.

78. The composition of any of claims 1-73, wherein the pH is greater than 3.

5.

79. The composition of any of claims 1-73, wherein the total dissolved metal is less than 70,000 ppm.

80. The composition of any of claims 1-73, wherein the water component is at least 95% by weight.

81. An antimicrobial composition, comprising: a solvent that is equal to or greater than 80% water by weight; at least one copper compound; and Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] at least one zinc compound, the composition being free of phosphorous acid, phosphoric acid, phosphate salts, and phosphite salts.

82. The composition of claim 81, wherein the copper compound(s) are selected from the group consisting of copper (II) bromide, copper (II) chloride, copper (II) nitrate, copper (II) perchlorate, copper (II) sulfamate, and copper (II) sulfate, and combinations thereof.

83. The composition of claim 81, wherein the copper compound(s) are selected from the group consisting of any of the copper compositions in Table 3, any of the copper compositions in Table 5, any of the copper compositions in Table 6, and any of the copper compositions in Table 7, including combinations thereof.

84. The composition of any one of claims 81-83, wherein the zinc compounds are selected from the group consisting of zinc bromide, zinc chloride, zinc iodide, zinc nitrate, zinc perchlorate, zinc sulfamate, and zinc sulfate, including combinations thereof.

85. The composition of any one of claims 81-83, wherein the zinc compounds are selected from the group consisting of any of the zinc compositions in Table 4, any of the zinc compositions in Table 5, any of the zinc compositions in Table 6, and any of the zinc compositions in Table 7, including combinations thereof.

86. The composition of any one of claims 81-85, wherein the copper concentration is between about 1.5 mM and 15 M.

87. The composition of any one of claims 81-86, wherein the zinc concentration is between about 1.5 mM and 15 M.

88. The composition of claim 86, wherein the copper concentration is between about 15 mM and 1.5 M.

89. The composition of claim 87, wherein the zinc concentration is between about 15 mM and 1.5 M.

90. The composition of claim 88, wherein the copper concentration is between about 150 – 450 mM.

91. The composition of claim 89, wherein the zinc concentration is between about 150 – 450 mM.

92. The composition of any one of claims 81-91, wherein the composition is diluted with a medium comprising at least 80% water. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 93. The composition of claim 92, wherein the composition is diluted 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90, 1:100, 1:110, 1:120, 1:130, 1:140, 1:150, 1:160, 1:170, 1:180, 1:190, 1:200, 1:210, 1:220, 1:230, 1:240, 1:250, 1:300, 1:350, 1:400, 1:450, 1:500, 1:600, 1:700, 1:800, 1:850, 1:900, 1:950, or 1:1000.

94. The composition of any one of claims 81-93, wherein neither copper sulfate nor zinc sulfate is included and at least one processing aid from Table 1 or Table 2 is used to adjust the pH of the composition.

95. The composition of any one of claims 81-93, wherein either copper sulfate or zinc sulfate is included and at least one processing aid from Table 1 or Table 2 is used to adjust the pH of the composition.

96. The composition of any one of claims 94-95, wherein the pH is buffered within the range of approximately 4.0 to approximately 6.

0.

97. The composition of any one of claims 94-95, wherein the pH is adjusted to either below approximately 7.0 or above approximately 12.

98. The composition of claim 97, wherein the pH is adjusted to between approximately 0.5 and approximately 6.5, and more preferably between approximately 1.0 and approximately 5.

5.

99. The composition of any of claims 81-98, further comprising at least one complementary admixed antimicrobial agent.

100. The composition according to claim 99, wherein the antimicrobial agent is selected from the agents listed in Table 8.

101. The composition according to any one of claims 81-100, further comprising at least one rainfastening agent.

102. The composition according to any one of claims 81-101, the composition may survive filtration through media at least as fine as 0.2(2) μm with no reduction in antimicrobial activity.

103. The composition according to any one of claims 81-102, wherein the composition has a shelf life of at least 3 months.

104. The composition according to any one of claims 81-103, the composition has a shelf life of at least 6 months. Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] 105. The composition according to any one of claims 81-104, wherein the composition has a shelf life of at least 9 months.

106. The composition according to any one of claims 81-105 wherein the composition has a shelf life of at least 12 months, or preferably at least 18 months.

107. The composition according to any one of claims 81-106 wherein the composition has a shelf life of at least 2 years.

108. The composition according to any one of claims 81-107 wherein the composition has a shelf life of at least three years.

109. The composition according to any one of claims 81-108, wherein the composition is antibacterial.

110. The composition according to any one of claims 81-109, wherein the composition is antifungal.

111. The composition according to any one of claims 81-110, wherein the composition is antisclerotial.

112. The composition according to any one of claims 81-111, wherein the ratio of copper to zinc is 6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 0.9:1, 0.8:1, 0.7:1, 0.6:1, 0.5:1, 0.4:1, 0.3:1, 0.2:1, or 0.1:

1.

113. A method to reduce bacteria or fungi on plant matter by applying a composition according to any one of claims 81-112 to the substrate of at least one plant.

114. A method to reduce bacteria or fungi on plant matter by applying a composition according to any one of claims 81-112 to the soil in the vicinity of at least one plant.

115. An antimicrobial composition according to any one of examples CuZn48- CuZn121 from Table 10.

116. A method to prevent or control bacterial diseases, fungal diseases, viruses, or parasites in mammals by applying a composition according to any one of claims 81-112 to the skin and / or disease affected area.

117. A method to prevent or control bacterial diseases, fungal diseases, viruses, or parasites in mammals by ingestion of a composition according to any one of claims 81-112.

118. A foliar antimicrobial spray according to any one of claims 81-112.

119. An antimicrobial composition, comprising: a water component present in an amount of at least 80% by weight; Docket No.: 441571 [2057_003 PCT] at least one copper compound selected from the group consisting of copper (II) oxide; copper (II) hydroxide; copper (II) chloride hydroxide; copper (II) bromide hydroxide; copper (II) nitrate hydroxide; and copper (II) sulfate hydroxide; at least one zinc compound selected from the group consisting of zinc carbonate; zinc carbonate hydroxide; zinc chloride hydroxide; zinc bromide hydroxide; zinc nitrate hydroxide; and zinc sulfate hydroxide; and at least one acid processing aid selected from the group consisting of sulfamic acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and 2-furoic acid, wherein the composition is free of phosphorous acid and phosphoric acid.

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