Bordeaux Puls: What is it? What is its use?

A few words about the Bordeaux paste

In the 19th century in Bordeaux, France, professor of botany Pierre-Marie-Alexis Millardet from the University of Bordeaux conducted research on downy mildew in the vineyards of the area. Professor Millardet found that vineyards closest to country roads had no downy mildew problem. He discovered that farmers were spraying their vines with a mixture of bluestone and lime to discourage passers-by from cutting the grapes. 

After the publication of the results of Millardet's research the use of Bordeaux paste became widespread and impressed for its effectiveness. Bordeaux mixture was the first fungicide of the 20th century.

What is Bordeaux mixture?

Bordeaux paste is a copper preparation, used as a preventive measure mainly in winter, to prevent the plants from being affected by diseases caused by fungi. It consists of bluestone (copper sulfate) and lime.

The Use of Bordeaux Pulp.

Bordeaux mixture is used to prevent the plants from being attacked by fungi and bacteria. It has no intersystemic use, this means that the consumption of the fruit can be done immediately and with good washing. 

It is used in three ways:

1.  By spraying the leaves and branches of the plants.
2.  By smearing large cuts, caused either by wounds or by the pruning of trees.
3.  By coating the trunks to protect against the low temperatures and high relative humidity of winter.

When can we spray with Bordeaux paste?

Bordeaux pulp is phytotoxic for new plant growth, so it is good to use it in winter and autumn.

In the table below (Table 1.) the diseases in the various plant species and the season when the Bordeaux paste should be applied are mentioned.

Bordeaux pulp is used in Organic Agriculture in specific quantities. In the event of an overdose, it is harmful to the beneficial microorganisms of the soil, resulting in the reduction of the decomposition process of plant residues and the creation of organic matter.