The Bordeaux mushroom is one of the first copper-based products tested in agriculture: introduced in the 19th century, it is still a product widely used to defend fruit, vegetable and ornamental plants against many fungal diseases. Vegetation treated with Bordeaux fungus is covered with the typical bluish halos that almost everyone has seen at least once on cultivated vegetation.
We have already described copper products in general: what they are, how they work and how to use them. Now we only see in detail the Bordeaux puree, which is one of the best known of them.
Contents [Ocultar]
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What is it: composition of Bordeaux pulp
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how copper works
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The adversity he defends himself against
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When to use Bordeaux paste
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What crops is it used on?
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Buy Bordeaux porridge
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Modes and dosage of use
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lean times
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Toxicity and environmental aspects
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Bordeaux pulp phytotoxicity
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Bordeaux mousse in organic regulations
Contents
What is it: composition of Bordeaux paste
His name is ” porridge because in fact it is a mixture, that is to say a mixture of copper sulphate at acidic pH, and calcium hydroxide , at alkaline pH. Copper is extracted from mines, while lime is generally obtained by firing limestone rocks.
Depending on the relationship between the two compounds, the results may be different. The most balanced ratio is 1:0.7-0.8, where 1 is copper sulfate and 0.7-0.8 is calcium hydroxide, and this is what leads to a neutral pH suspension.
On the market there are packages of ready-to-use Bordeaux paste and others with two separate components, which are mixed independently. In Bordeaux pulp preparations of the two separate components, by increasing the copper sulphate, a more acidic pulp is obtained, with a more intelligent but less persistent effect while increasing the dose of calcium hydroxide is the opposite, i.e. a more alkaline reaction paste, with a less ready but longer lasting effect.
In case of doubt, in order to avoid possible phytotoxic effects on plants caused by too unbalanced preparations, it is recommended to use a neutral reaction paste, obtained from the above standard proportions, and which is generally that found in commercial preparations already mixed and ready to use.
The product looks like wettable powder to be diluted in water at the doses indicated in the container. The compound is actually insoluble and remains suspended in water.
how copper works
The phytoiatric properties of copper, that is, its possibility of use in the defense of plants, were discovered in 1882, and since then it has been widely used.
The copper product releases copper ions which have a toxic effect on the spores of pathogenic fungi, which are blocked in their germination. The effect of copper is preventive because it must already be on the plant when the spores of the pathogenic fungus are ready to germinate, and therefore in wet periods and after long rains.
Bordeaux pulp, like other copper products, has a hedging effect does not penetrate inside the plant but remains on the surface.
The adversity he defends himself against
The Bordeaux mushroom is a fungicide and therefore is used in the defense of garden plants, fruit plants and other species against various strains of fungal pathogens ranging from peronospores, scabs, anthracnose, molinilia, corundum, cancers, septoria, etc.
Bordeaux pulp, as well as other copper products, has also a positive effect on the defense against bacterial diseases it is therefore also used to block this type of pathology.
When to use Bordeaux paste
The use of Bordeaux paste cannot be blind and must be subject to restrictions. For example, we have to to avoid during flowering because of the risk of burns to floral organs and because it is toxic to pollen.
In stone fruits during the vegetative season, in case of pathologies such as bubble or monilia, it is better to use calcium polysulphide, or even better, to carry out preventive treatments with products based on equisetum, purchased or manufactured by the company, or with lecithin, zeolites, propolis and other products used as corroborating agents, i.e. plant defense activators.
In winter, in the orchard it can be used to eradicate winter forms of pathogenic fungi and in pome fruit, if necessary, we can also use it during the season, with all the necessary care.
In the garden we can use Bordeaux pulp to block many diseases such as tomato and potato peronospores, especially in the most risky vegetative phases, such as very humid and rainy springs.
In any case, the label of the pulp purchased indicates the periods in which its use is authorized for the different plant species, so it is recommended scrupulously respect the law . As an indication, also valid for Bordeaux pulp, the best times to carry out the treatments are always the coolest times of the day .
What crops do you use?
For the professional use of the Bordeaux mushroom it is always necessary to refer to the crops for which the various commercial formulas are registered, but also the packaging that can be found in garden centers for private use contains indications on the crops that can be treated. and the pathologies against which they must defend themselves.
The possibilities of use are very wide and range from vines, to tree crops such as hazelnuts, to many vegetables and fruit trees, as well as berries.
Buy Bordeaux mousse
To buy Bordeaux paste for professional use, you must have the patent for the use of phytosanitary products, while for private use we can find these and other products freely in garden centers or even online.