Which one of the following is linked to the discovery of Bordeaux mixt...
Downy mildew of grapes disesase is linked to the discovery of Bordeux mixture as a popular fungicide. Bordeux mixture was discovered by Millardet in France in 1882. Bordeux mixture is prepared by dissolving 40g. of copper sulphate and 40 g of calcium hydroxide in 5 litres of water. Bordeux mixture is used primarily as a fungicide, it was first used to control downy mildew disease of grape-vine caused by a fungus, Plasmopara viticola. The first pesticide to be used commercially was bordeux mixture.
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Which one of the following is linked to the discovery of Bordeaux mixt...
Introduction:
The discovery of Bordeaux mixture as a popular fungicide is linked to the control of a specific plant disease. In this case, the correct answer is option B, which refers to the downy mildew of grapes. Let's explore the reasons behind this linkage.
Explanation:
The discovery of Bordeaux mixture as a fungicide can be attributed to the efforts made to control the downy mildew disease in grapevines. Here's an explanation of why option B is the correct answer:
Downy mildew of grapes:
- Downy mildew is a plant disease caused by the pathogen Plasmopara viticola, which affects grapevines.
- It primarily affects the leaves, but can also infect other parts of the plant such as berries and shoots.
- The disease spreads rapidly under favorable conditions, leading to significant yield losses and quality deterioration in grapes.
Bordeaux mixture:
- Bordeaux mixture is a fungicide and bactericide that was first discovered in the Bordeaux region of France in the 19th century.
- It is a combination of copper sulfate (CuSO4) and slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2) dissolved in water.
- Bordeaux mixture has been widely used in agriculture to control various fungal and bacterial diseases, including downy mildew.
Discovery of Bordeaux mixture:
- The discovery of Bordeaux mixture as a fungicide can be attributed to the work of French botanist Pierre-Marie-Alexis Millardet.
- Millardet was appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Bordeaux in 1873.
- In the late 1870s, the grapevines in the Bordeaux region were severely affected by downy mildew, causing significant losses to the wine industry.
- Millardet conducted extensive research to find a solution to this problem and eventually discovered the efficacy of the copper sulfate-lime mixture, which became known as Bordeaux mixture.
- He found that spraying the grapevines with Bordeaux mixture effectively controlled the downy mildew disease, preventing its spread and reducing the damage caused to the grapes.
Importance of Bordeaux mixture:
- The discovery of Bordeaux mixture revolutionized the control of fungal and bacterial diseases in agriculture.
- It provided a practical and effective solution for managing plant diseases, including downy mildew of grapes.
- Bordeaux mixture became widely adopted by grape growers and later by farmers across the world for the control of various plant diseases.
- Although its use has declined in recent years due to environmental concerns and the availability of alternative fungicides, Bordeaux mixture still holds historical significance in the field of plant pathology.
Conclusion:
In summary, the discovery of Bordeaux mixture as a popular fungicide is indeed linked to the control of downy mildew disease in grapevines. The efforts made by Pierre-Marie-Alexis Millardet to find a solution for the devastating downy mildew outbreak in the Bordeaux region led to the discovery of Bordeaux mixture, which became a game-changer in the field of plant disease management.