Plant Penetrants

Plant penetrants, also known as wetting agents, are additives or surfactants that are used to help a herbicide product to be better absorbed by the target plant, aiding in its effectiveness. When a plant penetrant is mixed with an herbicide, the penetrant adjuvant causes a plant to absorb the poison more effectively and fall victim to the herbicide more readily.

Plant penetrants are most often used against plants that would otherwise be able to resist herbicide applications. This is usually due to the weeds having tough leaves or shiny leaves that shed water easily.

Using a plant penetrant is simple. By mixing a plant penetrant with water and whatever selected lawn care product you wish to use, you can get better plant penetration, thus eliminating the problem weed and improving the look and health of your yard.

Shop our top recommended plant penetrant products below. If you need help in selecting a plant penetrant or would like more information on how to use the wetting agent properly, our experienced pest control specialists will be more than happy to help you.

Our Recommendations

Alligare MSO 1 - is an oil-based adjuvant formulated for use with pesticides or herbicides that may require an oil adjuvant to improve penetration and effectiveness. MSO does a great job of penetrating the thick waxy coating of certain weeds and can penetrate weeds under stress.

Tools Needed

• Selected Herbicide Product
• Plant Penetrant
• Handheld Sprayer, Backpack Sprayer or Professional Spray Rig

PPE

• Chemical Resistant Gloves
• Dust / Mist Mask
• Safety Glasses

How to Use Plant Penetrants 

Step 1: Mix Products

Dilute the herbicide you wish to spray in water according to the rates recommended on the manufacturer's label.

Once well mixed, add the plant penetrant to the herbicide mixture at the rate recommended on the label.

If using Alligare MSO 1, mix 3/4 pint to 6 quarts per acre, depending on conditions and weeds.

For aquatic surface applications, use Alligare MSO 1 at the rate of 16 to 32 oz. per 100 gallons of spray solution.

For aquatic submerged applications, use 20 to 40 oz. of Alligare MSO 1 per 100 gallons of spray solution.

Step 2: Apply the Product To Target Area

Begin spraying the mixed solution on the target plant materials at the volume and application rate recommended on the label.

When spraying the vegetation, care should be taken to thoroughly cover as much of the targeted vegetation as possible to ensure complete coverage.

Key Takeaways

• Plant penetrants are an adjuvant used to enhance the effectiveness of a herbicide so it can be better absorbed by a target weed, resulting in a quicker death.
• To use plant penetrants, all you need is a plant penetrant product and a selected herbicide to mix with water inside a sprayer.
• The plant penetrants we carry give you the most value for the price. You won’t find them at big box stores as it is a specialty product.
• Plant penetrants can save you money as it will make it so you don’t have to use as much herbicide or make multiple applications.