Bordeaux Mixture, a liquid used for controlling fungi on plants. It is a mixture of copper sulfate, hydrated lime, and water. Bordeaux mixture is used by florists, fruit growers, and gardeners to prevent mildews, rusts, scabs, and other fungus plant diseases. Its name comes from the early use of the mixture by members of the Academy of Science at Bordeaux, France. Bordeaux mixture was first used in the 1880's to kill mildew and other parasitic growths on grapevines. Use of the mixture spread from France to other countries.