Bordeaux liquid belongs to a class of chemicals designed to combat fungal plant diseases. This solution is the most famous and very common among gardeners. The preparation of Bordeaux liquid is a very responsible operation. To make this solution correctly, you need to know and take into account all its features.
Preparation of Bordeaux liquid
Take a solution of copper sulphate (crystals of blue color dissolved in water) and milk of lime (slaked lime diluted in water and filtered) and mix together. It is very important to note that the copper sulfate solution is slowly introduced into the lime. If you do it the other way around, you will end up with a solution that will quickly precipitate and not provide the protection you need. Proper preparation of Bordeaux liquid will give you an opaque, blue-colored oily solution. This stable suspension will be able tostay on the leaves and will be most effective.
Be sure to check that your solution is neutral, that is, without reaction. Excess copper sulphate will give a greenish color and an acidic reaction. You can also determine the excess by the blue litmus strip - it will turn red. And if you lower a metal nail into the solution for two minutes, it will be covered with red spots. You can neutralize such a reaction with the necessary amount of lime milk solution.
An acidic solution of Bordeaux liquid can cause burns on the leaves and fruits of the tree. On the leaves, this appears as brown spots, especially the edges of the leaf, and on the fruits - in the form of a "mesh".
How to prepare 10 solution
You will need two non-metal utensils. Pour 5 liters of water into one and pour 100 grams of copper sulfate. To make it dissolve faster, preheat the water. In the second bowl, dilute 100 grams of high-quality lime in the same amount of water. After mixing these solutions, you will get 10 liters of Bordeaux liquid.
Application
Use this solution immediately after its preparation, because as a result of long storage, even within one day, its components crystallize and precipitate. Spraying should be carried out in not hot weather, preferably in the morning or evening and if rain is not expected in the coming days.
Apply Bordeaux liquid for spraying all fruit and berry crops, including vines. It will protect your garden from scab, black cancer and other diseases. Spraying in preventive measures will prevent the occurrence of pathogens.
Since Bordeaux liquid is a poison, remember to take precautions when spraying. A protective suit, gloves and goggles will keep the solution from getting on your body.
Preparing Bordeaux liquid and using it is a responsible and time-consuming task, but it will help you protect the garden from pests and preserve the crop.
