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R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant
R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant is an efficient nonionic surfactant designed to improve spray efficacy by reducing surface tension and increasing penetration of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, acaricides, defoliants, soil sterilants, and desiccants on land and water sites.
11/04/25
R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant, manufactured by Wilbur-Ellis, is a unique nonionic surfactant that betters penetration, coverage, and more effective results from every pesticide spray during aquatic and dryland site applications.
It reduces the surface tension of spray droplets. That means droplets flatten and spread evenly, covering more of the target surface. You get better leaf contact and less beading, especially on waxy, hard-to-wet plant species. Once your product sticks and spreads, R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant goes to work penetrating the leaf cuticle, helping the active ingredients get into the plant not just sit on top of it.
R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant is a highly compatible nonionic surfactant that helps the active ingredients in pesticides stick, spread, and absorb better into the target area, so you get better results with less waste. It’s affordable, easy to use, compatible with nearly everything, and amplifies the effectiveness of every active ingredient in your tank.
Tools Needed
It can be applied with a handheld pump sprayer, backpack sprayer, or spray rig.
How to Use
- Step 1: Read your pesticide label to determine if surfactants can be used. For acaricides, fungicides, insecticides, use 2 to 32 fl. oz. of R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant per 100 gallons of spray mixture. When 1/4 inch or larger fruit are present, use 2 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture; otherwise, use 1/8 to 2 pints (2 to 32 fl. oz) of product per 100 gals of spray mixture for citrus. For defoliants, desiccants, and herbicides, mix 6 to 48 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture. For plant growth regulators, use 16 to 32 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture. For soil sterilants, use this product at 1% of the total spray mixture. In aquatic products/sites, mix 64 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture. When using backpack or handheld sprayers, use 1 to 2 tablespoons (1/2 to 1 fl. oz.) of product per gallon of spray mixture. Do not add this product at a rate that exceeds 5% of the finished spray volume.
- Step 2: Generally, R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant should be added as the last ingredient into the spray tank with the agitator running. However, some manufacturer’s labels may recommend the addition of a nonionic surfactant, such as R-11 Spreader-Activator, into the spray tank earlier in the mixing sequence.
- Step 3: Spray your treatment area as instructed on its label.
Where to Use
R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant can be used with acaricides, fungicides, insecticides, citrus, defoliants, desiccants, herbicides, plant growth regulators, and soil sterilants.
It may be used with either of these products on land and aquatic settings.
When to Use
Use whenever you're applying herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, or other spray solutions that benefit from improved spread, penetration, and coverage. Especially on waxy, hard-to-wet, or thick-leafed plants.
Safety Information
R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant is safe for people and pets when applied according to the product label instructions. Always wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when mixing and applying this product.
Special Considerations
Not for aquatic use in Washington.
| Availability | Online |
| Restricted Use | No |
| Shipping Restrictions * = not registered** = restricted use | 2.5 Gallon: KY**, VT** 1 Gallon: KY**, VT** 32 Ounce: KY**, VT** |
| Brand | WILBUR-ELLIS |
| Keith's Pro Tips | "When applying to a sensitive crop, first treat a small area to determine if there are any adverse effects to the crop." |
| Product Drawbacks | It must be mixed with another product. |
| Application Equipment | Backpack Sprayer, Pump Sprayer, Spray Rig |
| Application Methods | Broadcast Spray, Spot Treatment |
| Active Ingredient | Polyethylene glycol mono(branched p-nonylphenyl) ether, Butyl alcohol, Dimethylpolysiloxane 90% |
| Product Type | Adjuvant |
| Formulation | Surfactant |
| Application Rate | For acaricides, fungicides, insecticides, use 2 to 32 fl. oz. of R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant per 100 gallons of spray mixture. When 1/4 inch or larger fruit are present, use 2 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture; otherwise, use 1/8 to 2 pints (2 to 32 fl. oz) of product per 100 gals of spray mixture for citrus. For defoliants, desiccants, and herbicides, mix 6 to 48 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture. For plant growth regulators, use 16 to 32 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture. For soil sterilants, use this product at 1% of the total spray mixture. In aquatic products/sites, mix 64 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture. When using backpack or handheld sprayers, use 1 to 2 tablespoons (1/2 to 1 fl. oz.) of product per gallon of spray mixture. |
| Shelf Life | R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant will last for 3 years when stored in a dry, clean location. |
| Yield | Coverage will vary. |
| Use Sites | Outdoors |
| Time to Kill | R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant will work instantly once mixed with another product. |
| Comparable Products | Alligare 90, Nanotek Surfactant |
| EPA Registration # | N/A |
| Restricted Use | No |
|---|---|
| Shipping Restrictions | KY |
| Availability | Online |
| Signal Word | WARNING |
| Keith's Pro Tip | "When applying to a sensitive crop, first treat a small area to determine if there are any adverse effects to the crop." |
| Time to Kill | R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant will work instantly once mixed with another product. |
| Chemical Type | Adjuvant |
| Formulation | Surfactant |
| Application Methods | Broadcast Spray, Spot Treatment |
| Product Drawbacks | It must be mixed with another product. |
| Active Ingredient | Polyethylene glycol mono(branched p-nonylphenyl) ether, Butyl alcohol, Dimethylpolysiloxane 90% |
| Application Equipment | Backpack Sprayer, Pump Sprayer, Spray Rig |
| Mix Rate | For acaricides, fungicides, insecticides, use 2 to 32 fl. oz. of R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant per 100 gallons of spray mixture. When 1/4 inch or larger fruit are present, use 2 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture; otherwise, use 1/8 to 2 pints (2 to 32 fl. oz) of product per 100 gals of spray mixture for citrus. For defoliants, desiccants, and herbicides, mix 6 to 48 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture. For plant growth regulators, use 16 to 32 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture. For soil sterilants, use this product at 1% of the total spray mixture. In aquatic products/sites, mix 64 fl. oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray mixture. When using backpack or handheld sprayers, use 1 to 2 tablespoons (1/2 to 1 fl. oz.) of product per gallon of spray mixture. |
| Use Sites | Outdoors |
| Yield | Coverage will vary. |
| EPA Registration No. | N/A |
| Shelf Life | R-11 Spreader Activator Nonionic Surfactant will last for 3 years when stored in a dry, clean location. |
| Comparable Products | Alligare 90, Nanotek Surfactant |
| Children or pets? | No |
| Property Characteristics | None |
*Price does not include freight. We guarantee our rate plus shipping will be less than anyone else's price.




