Processing time and rules for diluting Bordeaux mixture for grapes, waiting times for results

Many winegrowers use Bordeaux mixture to protect grape bushes from diseases and pests. Before using Bordeaux mixture for grapes, you need to familiarize yourself with its detailed description and characteristic features.

Bordeaux mixture: composition

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

• heated water;
• copper sulfate;
• slaked lime.

Vitriol is considered the main component of the composition, since it is it that promotes 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 advantages include the following:

• Microelements from the solution quickly penetrate into the leaves with bark. However, they are not washed off from the surface of the grapes even during heavy rains.
• The product is considered universal, as it can be used in autumn and spring. This allows you to process the bushes before and after harvesting the ripe crop.
• The mixture effectively fights a wide range of parasites and pathogenic pathogens.

The disadvantages of the product include:

• Phytotoxicity. It appears if you spray the bushes with liquid too often.
• Copper toxicity. For humans, this component is considered dangerous and toxic. Therefore, experienced winegrowers advise carrying out spraying in a protective suit.
• Accumulation in the ground. Microelements of the Bordeaux mixture accumulate in the soil. In the future, this may cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

Operating principle

To become familiar with how the solution affects processed grapes, you will have to study the principle of operation of the mixture. After it gets on the surface of the leaves or bark, the components from the liquid penetrate into the cells of the pathogens and begin to destroy them.

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

When does the effect occur?

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

Toxicity

Bordeaux mixture is considered a fungicidal agent and is therefore toxic to humans. The person who works with the 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 that contained the mixture will have to be disposed of. They cannot be reused for irrigation, much less for storing drinking water.

How to determine the quality of a drug

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

Also, to check the quality, a nail is immersed in the container with the drug. 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 add another 4 liters of water to the solution and pour it into a separate container.

3% solution

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

Instructions for use

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

Processing cuttings

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

Disinfection of wounds

The product 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 dosage

Anyone who is going to use Bordeaux mixture must decide in advance on the timing of spraying and dosage.

Spraying on a dormant vine

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

in spring

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

in autumn

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

Green leaf treatments

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

Safety precautions when working with chemicals

Bordeaux mixture is dangerous for humans, and in order to protect against its effects, safety precautions are followed when working. Before spraying, wear safety glasses, gloves, and a respirator that protects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. After treatment, 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 a sprayer. At grape processing you need to use sprayers that will help the solution penetrate any part of the plants.
• They don't meet deadlines. If you do not treat the plant in time, you can harm it.

Analogues of the product

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

Conclusion

When growing grapes, many people encounter dangerous pathologies that can harm them. To cure the plant and prevent further development of the disease, Bordeaux mixture and similar fungicides are used.