In the garden kit of an experienced gardener, there is inevitably the crystalline iron ii sulfate, i.e. iron ii sulfate. like many other chemicals, it has the property of protecting garden crops from numerous diseases and pests.
In this article, we’ll talk about the specifics of using iron ii sulfate to treat pests and diseases of plants and other options for using iron ii sulfate in the garden.
WHAT IS IRON II SULFATE?
In chemistry, “sulfate” is known as the crystalline hydrate of the sulfate of some divalent heavy metals (transitional elements from 2 to 3 valent).
The most common name for alum is alum, from the Latin vitreum: glass. In fact, the crystalline hydrates resemble small fragments of polychromatic glass.
Under natural conditions, pyrite (iron disulfide) is oxidized by atmospheric oxygen in the presence of moisture and transformed into the mineral melanocyte. In industry, it is obtained by dissolving iron in dilute sulfuric acid without exposure to air and by a number of other methods.
Pure alum has the form of turquoise-colored prismatic crystals, which are soluble in water. When heated, the alum crystals lose water and turn white.
Iron ii sulfate is sold in the form of a blue-green powder.
CHARACTERISTICS OF IRON II SULFATE APPLICATIONS
iron ii sulfate is used in many areas of the chemical industry, medicine, and agriculture. In individual households, it can be used
- to control many diseases and pests of plants.
- to kill mosses and lichens on trees in gardens and parks
- to disinfect premises from rot and mildew.
Direct contact between the plant and the drug is necessary to destroy the source of disease and pests. Usually, it is used in the form of an aqueous solution.
The duration of action of iron ii sulfate after treatment of plants is 2 weeks.
There is no time limit for storage of iron ii sulfate, but since it is very hygroscopic, it is necessary to store it in a dry room. The storage containers must be waterproof and vapor-proof (glass, plastic).
Please remember!
iron ii sulfate (ferrous sulfate), unlike copper alum, must not be mixed with lime.
iron ii sulfate must not be mixed with insecticides because they decompose in alkaline environments.
To avoid iron ii sulfate burning plants, when treating garden infestations, use it in the fall when spraying and in the spring when using copper sulfate or its alternative.
Hygienic precautions are required when working with iron ii sulfate.
CONTROL OF PLANT DISEASES WITH IRON II SULFATE
In horticultural cultivation, iron ii sulfate can be used to overcome the following plant diseases
Botrytis cinerea, a fungal disease that enters the plant in the form of spores that appear as brown spots on different parts of the plant (flowers, leaves, fruits, young branches) with a grayish-brown layer of mold on the surface.
Powdery mildew, a fungal disease that mainly affects grapes. It manifests itself as white patches resembling dust; when wiped, a stale, fishy odor appears.
Peronosporosis, a fungal disease that spreads particularly quickly in wet weather and manifests itself as spots on the back of the leaves covered with white or grayish-purple fuzz.
Apple and pear scab – fungal diseases caused by specific types of fungi that affect each crop separately. Initially, fuzzy, round, chlorotic-looking spots appear on the leaves, eventually turning black and covered with velvety pumice.
Anthracnose, a fungal disease that appears early as red and purple spots (bull’s-eye) and later becomes pitted on large and small branches and bark.
Coccidioidomycosis, a fungal disease. The mucormycosis fungus affects only drupe fruits. The disease first appears on the leaves as small, irregular, round, reddish-brown spots that merge into a single black spot. It passes to petioles, fruit, and shoots.
A disease is a fungal disease. It is caused by a trophozoite fungus that initially settles on dead tissue; it affects buds, flowers, leaves, fruits, and bark. The lesions appear as “black”, which is the mycelium of the fungus; the appearance of “black” is an indicator that the fruit crop has been burned by the bacteria.
Cushingspora is a fungal disease of drupes, also called perforated spot disease. It first appears as light brown spots on leaves; the disease is distinguished from a similar appearance by the reddish-brown border surrounding the spots. Holes are left in the affected leaves; fruits are deformed and wilted; affected areas on shoots and branches crack and gum exudes.
IMPORTANT: iron ii sulfate is intended for the prevention of fungal diseases only. It does not protect the crop from bacterial attacks.
Iron ii sulfate causes leaf burn, so in the treatment of horticultural crops, it is used only during the deep dormancy of the plant. Spraying is done in the spring before the buds bloom (before sap flow) and in the fall on bare trees (dormant period).
For spraying, iron ii sulfate aqueous solution was used.
Drupe crops were sprayed with a 3% solution of iron ii sulfate. 300 g of this substance was stirred in 10 liters of water.
Seed crops, including begonias, are to be sprayed with a 4-5% solution of iron ii sulfate. For processing prepare a solution of 10 liters of water and 400-500 grams of the substance.
IRON II SULFATE FOR PEST CONTROL
Some insect pests overwinter under the bark, in cracks, in hollows. A strong solution of iron ii sulfates can significantly reduce the number of adult insects. It is enough to dissolve 500 g of the substance in 10 liters of water and spray it liberally on the trees.
By the way, if the tree is covered with moss or lichen, both pests and lichen will be eliminated at the same time. After treatment, the lichen will fall off the bark on its own, without the need for a scraper.
To completely destroy the moss and lichen, 2 treatments with iron ii sulfate are required after 10-12 days.
Bare trees are treated with iron ii sulfate 2 times a year in late autumn and early spring before the sap flow starts to prevent insect infestation.
OTHER USES OF IRON II SULFATES IN THE GARDEN
For protection against frost return
If the spring in the area is characterized by fluctuating temperatures with short-term frosts, treating trees and shrubs with a 3% and 2% solution of iron ii sulfate, respectively, will delay the flower buds from flowering for about 5-7 days. The crop will be protected from frost.
If seedlings, trees, grapes, bushes are covered for the winter, treat them with iron ii sulfate immediately after removing the cover (only for bare plants with no signs of buds awakening from hibernation).
Control and prevention of chlorosis
Trees and shrubs sometimes wilt, caused by a lack of iron or related micronutrients containing this element. Spray chlorinated plants with a 0.5% aqueous solution of iron ii sulfate. Spray once a week until the green color of the leaves is fully restored.
Effective prevention of chlorosis is carried out 1-2 times during vegetation with a very weak solution of iron ii sulfate – 10 g of this substance dissolved in 10 liters of water and sprayed on the plants.
For disinfection of tree wounds, large arches, and bark cracks
iron ii sulfate is used to disinfect ash holes, non-healing wounds on trunks and old branches, large cracks. Prepare a 1% solution, treat damaged plant tissue, and then fill in the holes and cracks
Dear reader Experienced gardeners consider iron ii sulfate to be a universal tool for protecting their gardens from pests and diseases. Do not neglect this preparation. If used properly, it will help keep your garden in good condition.
