When should lime sulfur mixture be used?

AbstractLime sulfur mixture is mainly used in winter and spring. Generally in winter it is used from the end of November to early to mid-December, when the temperature is not lower than 4°C. At this time fruit trees enter dormancy and various pests begin to overwinter, and the pests and diseases' resistance to pesticides is greatly reduced, so using lime sulfur mixture for orchard cleaning works very well. In spring it is generally used from mid-to-late February to early-to-mid March, when fruit trees have just sprouted, and using it at the early stage of pests and diseases gives better results.

I. Timing of lime sulfur mixture use

1. From the end of November to early to mid-December, when the temperature is roughly above 4°C, fruit trees enter dormancy and various pests and diseases also begin to overwinter. At this time their resistance to pesticides decreases, and lime sulfur mixture can be used together when cleaning the orchard, effectively removing overwintering pests and diseases. If it is used when the temperature drops below 4°C, it easily affects the control efficacy.

2. Before fruit trees sprout in the spring of the following year, roughly from mid-to-late February to early-to-mid March, use lime sulfur mixture at the early stage of pests and diseases to eliminate them.

3. Lime sulfur mixture is mainly used in winter and spring. In addition, lime sulfur mixture can also be used during the fruit tree growing period. Note that it cannot be used when the temperature exceeds 32°C, and the concentration must be used reasonably.

II. Concentration of lime sulfur mixture

1. In winter, when fruit trees enter dormancy, to prevent pathogenic bacteria from overwintering on the fruit trees, a 3—5 Baume diluted lime sulfur mixture can be sprayed for control.

2. Before fruit trees sprout in spring, to control the spread and expansion of pathogenic bacteria, a 3—4 Baume diluted lime sulfur mixture can be sprayed for control.

3. During the fruit tree growing period, to control various pests and diseases such as fruit tree spider mites, scale insects, aphids, powdery mildew, rot disease and rust disease, a 0.2-0.5 Baume diluted lime sulfur mixture can be sprayed for control. Note that in summer it should preferably not exceed 0.3 Baume.

III. Use of lime sulfur mixture

1. Spraying method: Seedlings and lawns can be treated by spraying, which can effectively control pests and diseases such as scale insects, rust disease, red spider mites and powdery mildew. After fruit trees drop their leaves in autumn and winter, lime sulfur mixture can be sprayed once when cleaning the orchard.

2. Trunk painting method: After dormant trees are pruned, lime sulfur mixture can be painted on the trunks and main branches of crape myrtle and pomegranate, which can eliminate the damage of crape myrtle felt scale. It can also be diluted 180-400 times with water and sprayed in early spring or late autumn, or evenly applied to the trunk.

3. Whitewash: Whitewash is usually used in autumn and winter, can effectively control pests and diseases, and ensures that trees can grow normally the following year. Whitewash preparation method: mix 40 kg water, 0.5 kg salt, 5 kg quicklime and 0.4 kg lime sulfur mixture.

4. Wound treatment agent: To avoid the occurrence of rot disease and canker disease, lime sulfur mixture can be applied to wounds, which helps reduce infection by harmful pathogens.