Definition: Sulphurisation

This term dates back to the era of the first treatments based on copper sulphate neutralised with lime.

It is interesting to note that this mixture, known as Bordeaux mixture, which is still used today, was discovered by chance.

In the Bordeaux vineyards near the ocean, it was customary to spread lime on the ripening grapes to discourage marauders. The winegrowers, who were also fishermen, soaked their nets in a copper sulphate solution to prolong their life. These nets were regularly hung on the last row of vines along the paths to dry. It was soon noticed that the vines were healthier where the effects of the lime and the copper sulphate solution from the nets combined.