Bordeaux liquid is a solution of copper sulfate in lime milk. Sky blue liquid. Mainly used as foliar fungicide. Also controls the presence of bacteria and repels insects. The mixture was first invented by the French botanist P. Millard (1838-1902) to protect vineyards from mold. Plasmopara viticola.
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Recipe
To prepare a drug with a concentration of 1% in a small amount of water, 100 g of quicklime lump is quenched and 5 liters of water are added to it. In another container (not metal!), Dissolve 100 g of copper sulfate in a small amount of hot water. 5 L of water is also added to this solution. Then a solution of copper sulfate is poured into the milk of lime with constant stirring. It is possible and at the same time to drain the copper sulfate solution and the milk of lime into the third tank. As a result, the main compounds of copper sulfate are formed, which have high fungicidal (neutralizing various harmful microorganisms) properties.
Do not mix concentrated solutions of copper sulfate and lime milk, and then dilute this concentrated solution with water, and pour the milk of lime into the solution of copper sulfate. A properly prepared Bordeaux liquid should have a sky blue (turquoise) color and a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. The reaction is checked with a universal indicator, as well as litmus or phenolphthalein paper.
In the absence of these indicators, you can use iron objects (but always cleaned from grease and not covered with rust). If this object is covered with a reddish coating of copper (evidence that the solution is acidic), milk of lime must be added to neutralize the acidity of the prepared liquid. To prepare a more concentrated 3% working solution, 300 g is required. copper sulfate and 450 g of lime.
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Application
It is necessary to apply the mixture immediately after preparation. Shake the mixture constantly while spraying to prevent the ingredients from settling. It acts until it is completely washed out from the foliage.
Wear a mask, gloves and long sleeves when applying and preparing this product.
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Safety measures
Phytotoxic on delicate seedlings or foliage grown in cool, humid conditions. It is not toxic to humans and animals, but sometimes toxic to bees and very toxic to fish.
