Colloidal sulfur: instructions for use

Sulfur has long been used by humanity as an effective means to combat various pests. And today, sulfur is actively used in gardening. Today, this substance is known as colloidal sulfur and is a powder that is diluted before use and only then treated plants.

What is colloidal sulfur and how is it useful in gardening?

Cumulus (another name for this substance) is the oldest and proven by more than one generation means for combating insects and fungal diseases. This inorganic fungicide is produced in the form of water dispersible granules, where the sulfur concentration is 80%.

Colloidal sulfur is not very palatable for humans and animals, but requires compliance with instructions and safety rules. The effectiveness of the means depends on how long after treatment its pairs have been allocated.

The effect of the drug is greatly influenced by the air temperature (+ 27 ... + 32 ºC). If the temperature drops below + 20ºC, the result will be extremely low. If the temperature is above + 35ºC, then there is a risk of damage to the leaves of the plant.

The maximum allowable temperature of use of colloidal sulfur for fruit crops and grapes is + 16 ... + 18ºC.

Until recently, in order to control pests, cumulus was used for fumigating warehouse premises. However, modern drugs gradually pushed him back.

The result of exposure to such an agent is based on a high level of gas evolution. The drug does not need to penetrate into the structure of the plant to stop the development and vital activity of the spores of the fungus, not allowing it to multiply and develop. Colloidal sulfur treatment is especially effective for scab, powdery mildew and rust.

Benefits of application

Undoubtedly, the mentioned sulfur has a number of advantages that allow it to maintain its position among fungicides for a long time. Despite the many modern effective drugs, the use of this substance (in particular in viticulture) has the following advantages:

• safety and non-toxicity to plants;
• the soil layer is not contaminated;
• compatibility with other fungicides and insecticides;
• high effectiveness in fighting infections;
• no loss in windy weather;
• easy dosage control;
• profitability of use and reasonable price.

Preparation of working solution (suspension)

Before you dilute sulfur colloid, you must remember that you can not mix it with other drugs.

To prepare the solution, water is gradually added to the preparation. At the same time it is necessary to constantly stir the solution. When the resulting mass becomes homogeneous and the consistency will resemble a suspension, the solution is ready.

The drug is diluted immediately before use, that is, with the expectation thatthat it needs to be applied on the day of preparation.

Instructions for use

The consumption rate of colloidal sulfur, as stated in the instructions for use, is 300 g per 100 m². You can handle it no more than 5 times per season. Moreover, the last treatment should be carried out no later than three days before harvesting. Collected fruit should be thoroughly washed with water.

To combat powdery mildew, fruit crops are processed three times:

1. After (or at the end) flowering.
2. When not less than 75% of petals fall.
3. 2 weeks after the second treatment.

Berry, ornamental and vegetable cultures with a solution of colloidal sulfur are treated at the first signs of the appearance of the disease and in 10-12 days, until they disappear completely.

From the keel, cultivated plants are treated immediately upon planting seedlings.

Processing is carried out using a special device or using gauze (3-4 layers) bags. Wetting leaves with the drug should be uniform.It is necessary to spray leaflets from all sides, due to the fact that the described substance is not able to accumulate in plants. Processing of crops should be carried out in dry, windless weather.

The consumption rates of colloidal sulfur for garden and garden crops (including apple and pear) are shown in the table:

Culture	Pest	Amount of preparation, gram per 10 l of water	Number of treatments
Grapes	Oidiums	30-60	4-6
Black currant	Mealy dew	20-30	1-3
Tomatoes	Alternaria, mealy dew, macrosporioz	20-30	1-4
Roses	Mealy dew	20-30	2-4
Cabbage	Kila, black leg	50	1
Cucumbers	Mealy dew	20 (on open ground) 40 (on green ground)	1-3
Melon watermelon	Anthracnose, powdery mildew, askokhitoz	30-40	1-3
Gooseberry	Mealy dew	20-30	1-6
Beet	Mealy dew	40	1-3
Fruit trees	Scab, powdery mildew, rust	30-80	1-6
Maple	Mealy dew	30-40	5
Flower crops	Mealy dew, anthracnose, askohitoz	20-30	2-5
Medicinal crops	Mealy dew	100	1-2

Security measures

When using colloidal sulfur in horticulture, it is necessary to use protective agents:

• protective glasses;
• rubber gloves;
• respirators or cotton-gauze dressings;
• hats;
• bathrobes.

During the procedure it is strictly forbidden to drink, smoke and eat. After treatment, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and rinse your mouth with clean water.

Since this substance belongs to the third class of danger, the containers in which there was a solution, and the packaging from the drug, colloidal sulfur must be buried away from the living quarters. Do not flush it into the sewage system or dispose of it in household waste.

First aid for poisoning

As already mentioned, the danger of sulfur for humans is not very significant. However, if the substance gets on the skin, dermatitis may occur, and inhalation of its vapor causes bronchitis.

Therefore, in case of contact with the skin, it is necessary to remove the contamination with cotton wool and thoroughly wash this area with soap and water, and if it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the eye, wash it with plenty of water. If a person inhales sulfur fumes, he needs to ensure peace and give fresh air. If necessary, then do artificial respiration.

In the case of ingestion, it is necessary to drink activated carbon (at the rate of 1 g per kilogram of human weight) and a large amount of water. You can take a saline laxative.

In any case, when cumulus poisoning is better to consult a doctor.

Terms and conditions of storage

Colloidal sulfur should be stored separately from products and medicines in a cool place inaccessible to children and animals.

The drug retains its properties for two years at temperatures from -30ºC to + 30ºC.

In general, despite the huge competition, the described substance is rightly in demand for its effectiveness, affordability and ease of use.