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What is Bordeaux Mixture?

“Bordeaux mixture,” is a fungicide generally used in agricultural applications. It is also commonly known as “Bordo karası.” It is a mixture used to provide protection against plant diseases. Its main components include copper sulfate (98%) and lime (calcium hydroxide). It provides an effective control against fungal and bacterial diseases seen especially in fruit trees, vineyards, and some vegetables.

This mixture is used in the prevention of plant diseases or in taking existing infections under control. However, there are important factors that must be considered in its use. Therefore, dosage and application instructions must be strictly followed. Bordeaux mixture can be used as a part of ecological and integrated pest control applications in agricultural areas.

What are the Benefits of Bordeaux Mixture?

This mixture is a protective measure generally preferred for pome fruit trees. It is used to provide an effective defense mechanism against bacteria and fungal-sourced diseases. However, this product is not for treatment purposes, but is applied more as a precaution taken in advance against diseases. For example, it provides effective protection against common diseases such as bacterial canker, shot hole, and twig blight. Additionally, it is known to be effective against the pocket plum disease problem in plums, leaf curl in peaches, anthracnose and mossing in walnuts. The protective effect of Bordeaux mixture is quite important in agricultural production. Its usability in organic farming applications helps minimize environmental impacts by reducing chemical use.

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When is Bordeaux Mixture Used?

Application time may vary depending on various factors. Generally, it can be used during the dormancy period of plants. That is, it can help prevent diseases during the resting period of plants. Additionally, its use is also recommended during the budding period and the period when leaves begin to open. These timings aim to create a protective barrier especially against bacterial and fungal-sourced diseases. Use may also be recommended in the post-harvest period, especially at times when plants enter the resting period after leaf fall in fruit trees. In any case, the usage instructions on the label of the Bordeaux mixture should be followed. Factors such as plant species, types of diseases, and climate conditions play an important role in determining the correct usage time.

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How is Bordeaux Mixture Prepared?

To prepare this mixture; two different containers of 50 liters and 100 liters must be used. Amounts of bluestone and lime to be used for 100 liters at various doses:

  • For 0.5% Bordeaux mixture: 0.5 kg bluestone, 0.250 kg quicklime.
  • For 1% Bordeaux mixture: 1 kg bluestone, 0.500 kg quicklime.
  • For 1.5% Bordeaux mixture: 1.5 kg bluestone, 0.750 kg quicklime.
  • For 2% Bordeaux mixture: 2 kg bluestone, 1 kg quicklime.
  • For 3% Bordeaux mixture: 3 kg bluestone, 1.5 kg quicklime. (Slaked lime can also be used as twice the amount of quicklime.)

Quicklime is prepared by slaking it beforehand with a little water. Afterwards, the quicklime is poured into the 100-liter container by straining, and the water is completed to 50 liters. 50 liters of water is added to the other container. Bluestone is dissolved by suspending it in water within a bag or basket. The prepared bluestone solution is slowly poured into the 100-liter container, and by continuously stirring with a wooden stick, an indigo blue mixture is obtained. The prepared Bordeaux mixture should be used immediately and should not be kept for a long time; otherwise, it may spoil.

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How Do We Know if the Prepared Bordeaux Mixture is Ready?

Bordeaux Mixture can be obtained from pesticide dealers in ready-to-use form, or it can be easily prepared at home.  A simple test can be applied to check whether the homemade mixture is ready for use. For this test, a non-rusting nail is taken, dipped into the prepared mixture, and waited for 5 minutes. Then, the color of the nail is checked. If there is no color change in the nail, it has been successfully created and has become ready for use. However, if a slight reddening is observed on the nail, it means the mixture is not fully formed and a bit more lime may need to be added. Performing this step is important for the effective and correct use of Bordeaux Mixture.

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What Should Be Considered in the Use of Bordeaux Mixture?

  • It should not be used during the leafy period. Applications made during this period can damage the health of the plants and cause undesired effects.
  • While preparing, the water with dissolved bluestone should always be added onto the lime water. This stage ensures the mixture is in the proper consistency. Otherwise, the structure of the medicine may be spoiled and it may not be possible to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
  • It is important to strain the prepared mixture with the help of a cheesecloth before starting to use it. This process prevents the clogging of the spraying tool and ensures a smooth distribution during application.
  • If quicklime is being used, it must be strained after being dissolved. If un-dissolved stone or soil remains, the amount of lime equal to the remaining part should be re-weighed and dissolved to clean these residues.
  • Bordeaux mixture should never be mixed with other medicines. Different chemicals coming together can cause unwanted reactions and damage plant health.
  • After the Bordeaux mixture is applied, the spraying tool should be meticulously cleaned. This will help in obtaining an effective result in future applications by preventing contamination with residues of the mixture.

On Which Plants is Bordeaux Mixture Used?

Bordeaux mixture is a fungicide generally used in fruit trees, vineyard, and vegetable farming. It is an effective solution in protecting many plants such as apples, grapes, and tomatoes against bacterial and fungal diseases. Additionally, it can be used on ornamental plants such as roses. However, adhering to the correct dosage and usage guidelines is important; otherwise, it can damage plants. Paying attention to the recommendations on the product label before use is important to provide healthy plant protection.

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