Processing grapes with Bordeaux liquid in summer and spring: instructions for use

Many growers use Bordeaux liquid to protect grape bushes from diseases and pests. Before using the Bordeaux mixture for grapes, you need to familiarize yourself with its detailed description and characteristics.

Bordeaux liquid: composition

Before using the liquid, you need to study what components it is made of. To prepare it, you will need the following components:

• heated water;
• blue vitriol;
• slaked lime.

The main component of the composition is vitriol, since it is he who contributes to the development of grape bushes. If the plant does not have enough of this substance, its immunity will weaken, which will lead to the development of dangerous pathologies.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any component against plant diseases, Bordeaux mixture has advantages and disadvantages. The pluses include the following:

• Trace elements from the composition of the solution quickly penetrate the leaves with bark. At the same time, they are not washed off the surface of the grapes even during heavy rains.
• The tool is considered universal, as it can be used in autumn and spring. This allows you to process bushes before and after harvesting a ripe crop.
• Mixture effectively fights a wide range of parasites and pathogens.

The disadvantages of the funds include:

• Phytotoxicity. It manifests itself if the bushes are sprayed with liquid too often.
• Poisonousness of copper. For humans, this component is considered dangerous and poisonous. Therefore, experienced growers are advised to carry out spraying in a protective suit.
• Accumulation in the ground. Trace elements of the Bordeaux mixture accumulate in the ground. In the future, because of this, the leaves may turn yellow and fall off.

Operation principle

To learn how the solution affects the processed grapes, you will have to study the principle of the mixture. After it hits the surface of leaves or bark, components from the composition of the liquid penetrate into the cells of pathogens and begin to destroy them.

If it gets not only on the plant, but also on insects, they will also die. Also, such a solution is used for prevention, since the treated bushes no longer attract pests.

When the effect occurs

Some believe that the therapeutic effect of the mixture occurs immediately after its use, but this is not so. The waiting time for the visible effect of the drug is 2-3 hours. The protective effect lasts much longer and is 1-2 weeks after spraying.

Toxicity

Bordeaux mixture is considered a fungicide and is therefore toxic to humans. A person who works with a fungicide will have to use special protective clothing, a respirator, rubber gloves and goggles. Only such protective equipment can protect him from dangerous burns.

Due to toxicity, all containers containing the mixture will have to be disposed of. They cannot be reused for irrigation, much less for drinking water storage.

How to determine the quality of a drug

To determine the quality of a fungicide, pay attention to its color. Properly prepared liquid should be blue. Poor-quality solutions are colorless and do not even have a faint blue tint. Vine growers do not advise using them, as they do not adhere well to leaves and are quickly washed off.

Also, to check the quality, a nail is immersed in a container with a preparation. If a slight coating appears on its surface, then you will have to add a little milk of lime.

How to dilute spray liquid

To properly prepare the solution, you need to understand the basic recommendations for diluting the liquid.

1% solution

When preparing a 1% solution, you will have to add 100 grams of fungicide to a liter of water. Then another 4 liters of water are added to the solution and poured into a separate container.

3% solution

To make a more concentrated 3% solution, you will have to mix lime with copper sulfate in an amount of 400 grams and fill them with five liters of water.

Instructions for use

It is recommended that you read the instructions for using the Bordeaux mixture so as not to accidentally harm the grapes.

Processing cuttings

All grape cuttings are treated with a 3% mixture for disease prevention. To do this, they are completely dipped in a liquid of vitriol and lime for 20-25 seconds.

Wound disinfection

The tool is often used to treat and disinfect wounds. To do this, it is enough to spray them 2-3 times with a weakly concentrated 1% mixture.

Timing and dosing

Everyone who is going to use the Bordeaux mixture should decide in advance on the timing of spraying and dosages.

Sprinkling on the sleeping vine

This processing method is used in early spring, before buds appear. Grapes are released from shelter in the first half of March, after which the soil with the vine is sprayed with a fungicide.

Spring

Spraying is done in the first month of spring, until the buds are fully awakened. In the spring, it is enough to spray the bushes once a month.

Autumn

In the southern regions, the grapes are processed after the leaves have fallen, and in the northern regions - before the shelter of the bushes. In autumn, spraying is done no more than once.

Green leaf processing

It's no secret that green leaves are sensitive to fungicidal solutions, and therefore, in summer, grapes are sprayed with 1% liquid. The procedure is carried out once a month.

Safety when working with a chemical

Bordeaux mixture is dangerous to humans, and in order to protect themselves from its effects, safety precautions are observed during work. Before spraying, put on goggles, gloves, and a respirator that protects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. After processing, all protective equipment is thoroughly washed in hot water and soap.

What errors occur during processing

People who use Bordeaux mixture for the first time often make the following mistakes:

• Do not use sprayer. When processing grapes, sprayers should be used to help the solution penetrate into any part of the plants.
• Do not meet deadlines. If you do not process the plant in time, you can harm it.

Means analogues

People who are familiar with all the features of Bordeaux mortar often do not want to use it and are looking for analogues.There are several drugs that have similar properties for protecting vines. Common remedies include Kuproksat and Hom. They are distinguished by an affordable price and effective therapeutic effect. Many growers use them to treat diseases and prevent their occurrence.

Conclusion

When growing grapes, many are faced with dangerous pathologies that can harm it. Bordeaux mixture and similar fungicides are used to cure the plant and prevent further development of the disease.

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