Bordeaux mixture: instructions for using the fungicide, composition and how to dilute

The use of folk fungicides in the garden and in the garden, for example, Bordeaux mixture, can be effective and profitable. Consider the composition and action of this tool, when and for what it is used, how it should be prepared and applied to various crops. As well as the mistakes that vegetable growers make, and how you can replace Bordeaux mixture at home.

Composition of Bordeaux mixture

A fungicidal mixture was invented in the 19th century to treat vineyards. Due to its effectiveness, other crops began to be processed with it in subsequent years. And so far, the mixture has not lost popularity, although it is usually used in private households.

Bordeaux mixture consists of 2 components: quicklime and copper sulfate. It is prepared by pouring vitriol solution into a lime mortar and mixing them until a homogeneous consistency.

What is it for

As a fungicide 3% Bordeaux mixture is used in horticulture in the fall to kill bacteria and fungi that may remain over the winter. In this case, it acts as a prophylactic.

In the spring, the mixture is also used to prevent the development of fungal diseases. They process the bark, saw cut branches before bud break, so that pathogens do not penetrate into plant tissues. During the season, the mixture, but already with a lower concentration (1%), can be used for treatment if signs of illness appear. Treatment should be started as early as possible to be effective. In total, 3-4 treatments can be carried out per season with a frequency of at least 1.5-2 weeks.

Mechanism of action

Copper ions at the cellular level have a detrimental effect on fungi. Lime calcium neutralizes the toxic effects of copper on plants. Due to the effectiveness of the element, the drug can have an effect on pathogens that are not only on the bark, but also on leaves and inflorescences. The tool also has a repellent effect, repels pests from plants.

How to properly prepare Borodino mixture

The cooking sequence is as follows: dilute the solution of lime and vitriol in separate buckets, and then mix both solutions together, stirring constantly. It should be a blue opaque liquid.

To dissolve in water, you need to take quicklime. Plastic containers cannot be used to slake lime, and metal containers cannot be used to mix the general solution, since the metal reacts with the preparation.

To make a 1% solution, dilute 100 g of vitriol in 5 liters of water, and dissolve 100 g of lime in the same volume of water. To get a 3% liquid, you need to take 300 g of vitriol and 300-350 g of lime. After dissolving, mix both solutions in one container.

After preparation, you need to check the acidity level of the solution: dip litmus paper into the Bordeaux mixture. If it does not turn red, change color or become bluish, the solution can be used. If the paper indicates an acidic reaction, you need to add a little lime.

You need to use the Bordeaux mixture immediately, while working you will have to mix the liquid to keep it homogeneous. When stored for a long time, the particles settle and stick together, when spraying, they can clog the sprayer nozzle.

Instructions for use on various crops

Let's consider when and how much to use Bordeaux mixture for a number of crops in the garden.

For cucumbers

You need to use a 1% solution that is prepared for the garden. Spray in cloudy weather, in the absence of the sun, so that burns do not form on the leaves. During the season, cucumbers can be processed 2-3 times with a break of at least 5-7 days. For 10 sq. m. you need to spend 1 liter of liquid.

For potatoes

In the 1st treatment, the tubers are sprayed 1-2 hours before planting. In the 2nd, already young plants are sprayed, when the tops grow to 15-20 cm. Per 10 square meters. m. consume 0.5-1 l. 3rd spraying is done in another 1-1.5 weeks.

For grapes

Vine bushes are sprayed in the green cone stage, that is, when the buds have just begun to bloom. In this case, a 3% mixture is used. During the growing season, you need to use a liquid with a weaker concentration.

For currants

Berry bushes are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture to prevent the development of spots. For early spring treatment, a solution of strong concentration is taken, for the next 2 or 3 - weak. For the drug to work, you need to moisten the foliage on both sides.

For tomatoes/tomatoes

Use a 1% preparation on tomatoes when there are signs of a fungal infection. To prevent late blight and other diseases dangerous for the culture, it is necessary to start spraying from the end of June and do only 3-4 treatments with a break of 1.5-2 weeks.

For strawberries

Strawberry bushes in the spring should be treated with a solution of 3% at a rate of 0.5-1 l per 10 sq. m. When new leaves grow, another treatment is carried out - this time with a weak solution. Make 2 more sprays - when the buds appear and after the berries are picked.

For trees

For spring processing, before the foliage blooms, the fungicide is prepared at a concentration of 3%. They consume liquid in the amount of 2-3 liters per young tree and 10-15 liters per fruit-bearing adult. Then, trees are sprayed at the stage of buds that have begun to open, as well as at the stage after flowering. In this case, the allowable concentration of the solution is 1%.

Safety precautions

Do not spray with Bordeaux mixture in the heat and before the rain, in strong winds. The wind will carry the drops to the side, and the sun may leave burns on the leaves of plants, ovaries, crack the skin of the fruit.

Bordeaux liquid is not entirely safe for humans and plants. Therefore, when working, you need to remember safety precautions, protect your hands and face from the solution. When preparing the Bordeaux mixture and spraying, you should try not to get drops on the skin.

Work in protective clothing: wear long sleeves, headgear, gloves, respirator and clear plastic goggles. Do not drink, smoke or eat while working with the fungicide. After work, be sure to wash your hands and face with soapy water. Wash off any liquid that comes into contact with the skin with water. In case of possible poisoning, gastric lavage should be carried out. If this does not help, seek medical attention.

Immediately after spraying Bordeaux liquid, you can not eat fruits. The minimum waiting period for vegetables, berries and fruits is 3 weeks. Before use, wash the fruits with clean water.

Ready solution should be used throughout the day. Reagents for the preparation of the mixture should be stored in a dry place, in sealed packaging. It is impossible that moisture acts on the preparations. Keep blue vitriol and lime away from food, medicines, and household products.

Common mistakes

What mistakes should be avoided when using Bordeaux mixture for a vegetable garden or garden:

• make the solution more concentrated than expected;
• use 3% liquid over green plants;
• treat more often 3-4 times a season;
• spray in high heat and wet weather before expected rain;
• neglect protective equipment while spraying;
• use mixture on almost ripe fruits.

If you follow the precautions and follow the recommendations for handling Bordeaux mixture, processing will not bring problems.

What can replace

Instead of the Bordeaux mixture, you can use copper-containing preparations on your site: Blue Bordeaux, Kuproksat, Indigo, Kumir, Oksikhom.Means with copper have a guaranteed protective effect for 1-1.5 weeks. After this period, if the disease has not stopped, spraying should be repeated.

As for mixing Bordeaux liquid with other insecticides, it cannot be combined with FOS and is generally better used separately. After spraying with the mixture, you need to wait at least a week, then apply another drug. When used together, they can be toxic to plants.

The use of Bordeaux mixture on the site makes it possible to use a cheap and affordable insecticide. It is not difficult to prepare it if copper sulfate and lime are available. No need to purchase special fungicide preparations, the mixture can protect plants from fungi and pests no worse than them. It can also to some extent meet the needs of plants in copper as a nutrient.

However, when using the Bordeaux mixture, you must strictly adhere to the rules for its use.It is worth preparing a solution with an exact dosage, do not exceed it and the recommended volume of the solution, which is supposed to be spent on a certain area. When applied correctly, the mixture can replace the often expensive synthetic fungicides.

Its use is, first of all, beneficial in the private sector, both for preventive and therapeutic purposes. In most cases, spring and autumn treatment is enough to prevent the disease from developing during the season. If trees or shrubs are already infested, you will have to spray them for 2-3 consecutive seasons to give pathogens no chance. Although laborious, Bordeaux mixture is effective and is still used by many gardeners in their households.

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