In 1895, pesticides were already an integral part of agricultural practices, driven by the need to combat various pests that threatened crops and food supplies.
(We're all about to learn a lot about plants and uses in the Victorian Era...)
- Arsenicals: Compounds containing arsenic were widely used as insecticides in the late 19th century. Paris Green, for example, was employed against the Colorado Potato Beetle, according to whitehorsepress.blog.
- Lead Arsenate: Introduced for insect control in 1892, it quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness and relative safety for plants compared to Paris Green. It became the pesticide of choice for orchard trees, according to The Garden History Blog.
- Bordeaux Mixture: This accidental discovery in the late 19th century proved effective against downy mildew, a destructive fungal disease of grapevines. It consists of lime and copper sulfate.
- Sulfur: Sulfur compounds were used as both fungicides and insecticides.
- Botanical insecticides: Plant extracts like pyrethrum and derris were also used.
(We're all about to learn a lot about plants and uses in the Victorian Era...)