Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Non-Ionic Surfactant

Is there a houshold product or a name brand that I can walk into the store and puchase that acts as a non-ionic surfactant. Everywhere I read says this should be added to a mixture of Rodeo and water for the mixture to stick. Also how much do you add? Thanks in advance.

Jimmy

Jimmy:
Many liquid dishwashing soaps contain anionic surfactant, and only a relatively small amount at that. Some folks use these detergents for your stated purpose, but the glyphosate's performance certainly isn't maximized by doing so. Nevertheless, it is probably better than using nothing in conjuction with the herbicide.
Many farm supply stores will carry some type of agricultural surfactant (non-ionic), but you should verify that their product may be safely used in aquatic sites (many cannot).
Otherwise, you should be able to obtain an appropriate surfactant from the same source that sold you the RODEO, AQUAMASTER, or any other brand of aquatic-labeled glyphosate.
KD

Thanks Kelly, I appreciate the information.

Ask for Cide-Kick or I also use cygnet plus. I must admit I was not sure how necessary they were and only started using them last year. It makes the herbicide use much more effective.

Greg,
Cide-Kick II works very well with many contact herbicides & algaecides, such as REWARD & CUTRINE. Cide-Kick contains d'limonene, which is similar to the components found in Pinesol and hand-degreaser. It really "heats up" products that work through contact [non-systemic] activity [where massive and rapid tissue damage is desired].
However, a good quality non-ionic surfactant will probably work a bit better with systemic herbicides such as glyphosate [RODEO, AQUAMASTER, etc.). Such herbicides need the plant to remain active for several hours after the treatment. CIDE-KICK, if over-done, can actually cause damage to or dessication of the plant leaf [melting through the cuticle]; possibly reducing the systemic herbicide's mobility within the plant.
With glyphosate, I'd use CIDE-KICK over dishwashing soap, but would opt for a good non-ionic aquatic surfactant if at all possible.

KD, you amaze with your knowledge, so what would you recommend with glyphosate?
Thanks

Don't be too impressed. It's my business, as is fisheries management to you.

Regarding surfactant brands, I have my own biased opinions since I'm very familiar with the components within our proprietary aquatic formulation [AQUA-KING]. However, there are other good surfactants available; many mediocre ones, and numerous brands that are not much better than dish soap [in my opinion].

A product's mfgr, its price and the MSDS may be your best guides. Stick with a mfgr or supplier that you trust; avoid "the cheapest price" like the plague and check for the product's flash-point (low flash-point temps tend to indicate high levels of isopropyl alcohol - a cheap filler-component that the mfgr can include as part of the advertised "active-ingredient".

I wrote a recently published piece about aquatic surfactants if you're really interested (can be emailed). But, you'd better brew up a stout pot of coffee before you read it.

Kelly,

I would like to see the article you mentioned on surfactants. My email is [email protected]. Thanks!

Frank

send the email please. Also can you sell aquaking to me in GA?