Bordeaux Mix Basics Quiz Quiz

Explore fundamental knowledge about Bordeaux mixture use and safety in plant disease management. Perfect for beginners in horticultural disease prevention.

1. Main Ingredients

   Which of the following components is an essential ingredient in making traditional Bordeaux mixture for plant disease control?

   1. Sodium bicarbonate
   2. Potassium nitrate
   3. Sulfur powder
   4. Copper sulfate

   Explanation: Copper sulfate is a key component of Bordeaux mixture, commonly mixed with lime and water for disease management. Sulfur powder is used in separate fungicides, potassium nitrate is mainly a fertilizer, and sodium bicarbonate is used in homemade sprays but not in Bordeaux mixture.

2. Purpose of Bordeaux Mix

   What is the primary purpose of using Bordeaux mixture in horticulture?

   1. To fertilize crops
   2. To enhance fruit size
   3. To control fungal and bacterial plant diseases
   4. To repel insect pests

   Explanation: Bordeaux mixture is primarily used as a fungicide and bactericide to manage diseases like blight and mildew. It does not supply nutrients (fertilize crops), repel insects, or affect fruit size directly.

3. Mixing Safety

   Which safety measure should be followed when preparing Bordeaux mixture for field application?

   1. Always wear gloves and protective eyewear
   2. Mix in closed rooms only
   3. Prepare mixture only at night
   4. Use boiling water for mixing

   Explanation: Wearing gloves and protective eyewear guards against skin and eye irritation from chemicals. Mixing in closed rooms increases fume risks, using boiling water is not required, and timing (like at night) does not affect safety.

4. Application Timing

   For best results, when should Bordeaux mixture typically be applied to fruit trees?

   1. When flowers are fully open
   2. During heavy rain
   3. After fruit harvest only
   4. Before the onset of disease symptoms

   Explanation: Bordeaux mixture acts preventively and is most effective when applied before disease symptoms appear. Spraying during rain washes the mixture away, after harvest may be too late, and during flowering may risk phytotoxicity.

5. Mixture Stability

   Why is lime added to copper sulfate solution in Bordeaux mixture?

   1. To increase fungicidal strength
   2. To quicken evaporation
   3. To make it odorless
   4. To reduce plant toxicity

   Explanation: Lime neutralizes the copper sulfate, lowering its phytotoxic effects on plants. It does not increase strength, affect odor, or influence evaporation rate.