SODA BORDEAUX FOR THE GARDEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 239, 8 October 1932, Page 6 (Supplement)

SODA BORDEAUX FOR THE GARDEN.

It is as well to mention at the first that in tjio preparation of Bordeaux mixture it is very essential to bo exact with the quantities of the materials used. Also never use a tin or iron receptacle for dissolving the copper sulphate or for mixing two solutions in, as the copper sulphate, acting upon the metal, spoils the mixture for spraying purposes. Many people when told not to use tin or iron receptacles seem to have, the idea that one is considering the value of the receptacle, or else have an interest in the sale of wooden tubs or buckets. The point is, that if metal receptacles are used the value of tho spraying mixture is endangered, and in that case the spraying had better bo postponed until a proper receptacle can be procured, It is strange how often one can come across people who, in spite of all that has been written about Bordeaux mixture, will still risk, as they call it, an iron bucket, or more often a kerosene tin, and will then point out to you the defects of

Bordeaux mixture. More often than not the fault can be traced to the careless*ness of the person making the solution. Another point, and one often passed unnoticed, is to bo sure that the solution is alkaline. This can be done by the use of red litmus paper, which can be prpr cured from any dealer in photography; supplies. Pour a few drops of the soli), tioii into a saucer, dip in the corner of the litmus paper, and if the paper turns blue no more soda need be added, This, however, is seldom necessary if the correct quantities of materials are used. Care should also be taken that the soda solu'ion is poured, into the copper sulphate solution, and never vice versa. The use of lime in making Bordeaux mixture is often advocatod, but when being made in small quantities tho soda mixture is to be preferred, for the fol* lowing reasons: Firstly, that ordinary washing soda can bo used, and is more easily obtained in a good condition than the lime. Secondly, if properly dissolved, there is no sediment, as in the lime. So far as effectiveness is concerned, tho soda Bordeaux is in every way as effective as lime Bordeaux. Never make more of tho solution than you are likely to use at once. The different solutions can be kept for a peroid so Jong as they arc not mixed, but if mixed the mixture should bo used at once or thrown away, ltemember, the copper phosphate is very poisonous and care should be taken to keep crystals, solution, or mixture away from animals or children, or any irresponsible person. This is one reason why solutions should not bo kept; it is always possible for someone who "didn't know" to come along and make a mistake, which may have serious consequences. The receptacles which are used should also be kept out of the way, and should not be used for purposes of containing anything for human consumption. To make live gallons of spraying mixture dissolve half a pound of copper sulphate in two and a half gallops of water. The best way to dissolve it is to put the crystals in a small bag and pour on a kettle of boiling water, and when dissolved add the rest of tile Winter up to the required quantity, This solution jnust not be dissolved in an iron or tin receptacle; the best and safest is a vvpod tub or bucketIf a, tub can he procured which will hold the required quantity of mixture, viz., live gallons, it Will be more convenient. Then dissolve three-quarters of a ppund pf washing spda in two and a half lons .of water- This can be dissolved in a kerosene tin, as there is no action by tho gpda on the tin. When both solutions are ready, pour the sods, sojutipn fslpwly into the copper sulphate splutipn, stirring the mixture meantime. Test with a piece of litmus paper, and if the red paper turns blue the mixture can bo used. The water of which the splution is made has a certain action upon the mixture, rain or soft water being tho best, hard water as a rule requiring more soda to neutralise the mixture.

When spraying, remember that the finer the epray the better, and also that it is only the parts of the leaves and istems which are covered with epray that are protected from the attack; any part, no matter how small, left without spraying is subject to attacks of disease; hence the necessity of being most particular to see that every part of the plant is treated. Spraying, if done well, is a good insurance policy; if slovenly done is waste of time and money. Bordeaux mixture is the beet fungicide in use at the present time, and wero nioj-e used we should hefir less of the attacks of fungoid diseases.