BORDEAUX MIXTURE was introduced by a French botanist, P. M. A. Millardet from the University of Bordeaux, France in the year 1885 for the management of Downy mildew of grapes. Bordeaux Mixture spray, an economic prevention, provides a broad spectrum of protective disease control by preventing or inhibiting the disease before the fungi or bacteria enter the plant. Bordeaux Mixture has a long residual action (ability to persist through rains and to adhere to plants) and has been successfully used for over 100 years for leaf spots, blights, rots, rusts, anthracnose, downy mildew and cankers. When used as a basin drench treatment it controls the spread of root rot pathogens from diseased plants to healthy ones.

How to get best results from the best Bordeaux Mixture

• Use Kondody's most superior Copper Sulphate dark blue crystals / Granules or Sugar crystals
• Use the best quality lime for a neutral mixture only 700gms of Calcium hydroxide 90% pure (Slaked lime) for 1kg of Copper Sulphate (1%)
• PH of the mixture – between 9 to 10 for maximum efficiency
• Adjutants like spreaders and wetting agents may be added to the mixture to spread evenly over leaves, berries and increase coverage and adhesion on plant surfaces
• The mixture tends to sediment easily. Therefore, its stirring while using is desirable (a wooden stick is ideal)
• Do not use the Bordeaux Mixture in combination with any other chemicals or pesticides
• The application of the mixture should be done on time with adequate coverage underneath the leaf surface for the effective control on the spread of the fungus to newly generated young shoots.
• Avoid spraying in exceptionally hot days, when the plants are showing signs of temporary wilting or in case of continuous and heavy rains.
• The left over Bordeaux Mixture should not be dumped in the field, as this may prove toxic to the subsequent sowings.

Bordeaux Mixture spray for the prevention of Coffee Leaf Rust

Leaf Rust is caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix which normally lives as an obligate parasite in the leaves and sometimes also in the young shoots and fruits of coffee plants.

• Spray 0.5% Bordeaux Mixture during May–June (pre-monsoon) and August to September periods.
• Skipping of spray will also lead to the development of black rot, stalk rot and other disease problems in Arabica plantations.
• Heavy defoliation causes higher levels of white stem borer problem and imbalance in fruit development and ripening.
• Bordeaux Mixture spray stimulates the chlorophyll formation, facilitating the foliar development.
• It acts as a micro nutrient of plants.

Preparation of Bordeaux Mixture

Ingredients (1% Solution)

• Copper Sulphate – 1 kg
• Hydrated Lime (90% purity) – 700 g to 1 kg
• Water – 100 litres

Method

1. Dissolve copper sulphate in 50 litres of water in a non-metallic container.
2. In a separate container, dissolve hydrated lime in 50 litres of water.
3. Slowly pour the copper sulphate solution into the lime solution while stirring continuously.
4. Ensure thorough mixing using a wooden or plastic stick.
5. Test neutrality using litmus paper or by dipping a metal blade (no reddish deposit should form).

⚠️ Always use protective gear such as gloves and goggles during preparation and application.