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 the specified 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 for use of colloidal sulfur for fruit crops and grapes is + 16… + 18ºC. 
Important! The specified substance can not be used during drought and in the hot period.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 a tool is based on a high level of gassing. The drug does not need to penetrate into the structure of the plant to stop the development and livelihoods of the fungus spores, while not allowing it to multiply and develop. Colloidal sulfur treatment is especially effective for scab, powdery mildew and rust.
Did you know? For the first time the described substance was used as a preparation for gardening in the 40s of the twentieth century, it was obtained as a by-product when cleaning gases from hydrogen sulfide.
Benefits of application
Undoubtedly, the mentioned sulfur has a number of advantages, which allow it to maintain its position among fungicides for a long time. Despite the many modern effective drugs, the use of this substance (particularly 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;
- economical use and affordable price.
Did you know? Sulfur is one of the nutrient elements of plants and in many cases stimulates the growth and development of crops.
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 that it should be applied on the day of preparation.
Important! It is impossible to use the dishes for cooking.
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. The collected fruit should be thoroughly washed with water.
To combat powdery mildew, fruit crops are processed three times:
- After (or at the end) flowering.
- When not less than 75% of petals fall.
- 2 weeks after the second treatment.
From the keel, cultivated plants are treated immediately upon planting seedlings.
Useful information about other fungicides: "Fundazol", "Fitosporin-M", "Kvadris", "Hom", "Skor", "Alirin B", "Topaz", "Strobe", "Abiga-Pik".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, in view of the fact that the described substance is not able to accumulate in plants.
Processing of crops should be carried out in dry, calm weather.The consumption rates of colloidal sulfur for garden and garden crops (including apple and pear) are shown in the table:
| Culture | Pest | The amount of the drug, grams per 10 liters of water | Number of treatments |
| Grapes | Oidiums | 30-60 | 4-6 |
| Black currant | Mealy dew | 20-30 | 1-3 |
| Tomatoes | Alternaria, powdery mildew, 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, askohitoz | 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 |
Did you know? Sulfur seeps into the fungus, dissolves in its cells and combines with hydrogen, displacing oxygen in this way. By suppressing the respiratory function of cells by its actions, it destroys the fungus.
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.
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 sewer system or dispose of it in household waste.
Interesting information about fertilizers: potassium sulfate, succinic acid, nitrogen fertilizers, potassium humate, charcoal, ammonium nitrate.
First aid for poisoning
As already mentioned, the danger of sulfur for humans is not very significant. However, if the substance comes into contact with the skin, dermatitis may occur, and inhalation of its vapors causes bronchitis.
Therefore, when it comes into contact with skin, it is necessary to remove contamination with cotton wool and wash this area thoroughly with soap and water, and if it comes into contact with the eye mucosa, 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 of funds, 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.
Important! Since sulfur is a flammable product, it should not be heated.In general, despite the huge competition, the described substance is rightly in demand for its effectiveness, affordability and ease of use.
