Is it possible to process walnuts with copper sulfate
Copper sulfate is a blue crystalline substance. It can be purchased at gardening stores. Another name for this substance is copper sulfate. A solution of copper sulfate is used in the autumn processing of fruit trees and berry bushes against fungal diseases.
Copper sulfate is a poisonous substance, therefore it is also used as an insecticide. Fruit trees are treated for weevils, aphids, moths and other insect pests, but during the active growing season, plants cannot be treated with a solution of copper sulfate.
Chemical formula of copper salt CuSO4... Any chemical substance contains impurities. Even in copper sulfate cleaning class "A", which is used in medicine, contains an admixture of sulfuric acid. She burns the green leaves of the trees.
Therefore, in the spring, when the vegetative buds of the walnut have already blossomed, "Bordeaux liquid" is used to treat wood from rot and various fungal diseases.
What is Bordeaux liquid
"Bordeaux liquid" - a mixture of a solution of copper sulphate and slaked lime. A solution of copper sulfate is added to a solution of lime, the so-called "milk of lime". This fungicide does not burn the leaves of the plant, so it can be used during the active vegetation of the walnut.
This mixture was first used by the French botanist Pierre Marie Alexis Milliard in the 19th century to protect vineyards from mold. Gardeners use it to process fruit trees.
Bordeaux liquid helps to cope with such diseases and pests of walnuts:
- marsoniasis (brown spot);
- fire blight;
- nut moth.
During the active growing season, a one percent solution of "Bordeaux liquid" is used. In autumn or early spring, when the vegetative buds are just awakening, you can use a three percent solution of "Bordeaux liquid".
Preparation of the Bordeaux liquid solution
To prepare "Bordeaux liquid" you need to use plastic or enamel dishes. Never use an iron container, as lime will react with iron and the solution will be spoiled.
For 10 liters of water, add 100 g of copper sulfate and 200 g of lime. Copper sulfate must be dissolved in water at 40 ° C. Lime is dissolved in cold water. Better to use two separate containers. A solution of copper sulfate is poured into the "milk of lime". The solutions are mixed well. You should get a suspension of sky blue color, which can be used to process walnut seedlings and adult trees.