Surfactant

A surfactant (also known as an emulsifier or wetting agent) is a form of chemical adjuvant which acts as a buffer, breaking the surface tension of a liquid.

In lawn and garden herbicides they are used to help break down the plant’s resistance in absorbing the chemical being applied to it by sticking better to the plant. This allows the herbicide to better perform its function of killing the plant.

Surfactants are a simple and inexpensive way of getting your herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides to perform better against persistent invasive weeds pests or diseases. With a surfactant, the chemical is less likely to bounce off of the target plant due to it’s waxy outer layer, allowing it to stay on the plant and work as intended.

Surfactants are very easily to use. Using label directions, simply add a small amount of surfactant to the mixed pesticide prior to application, and that’s it. You can then spray your enhanced solution. Some products already come with surfactants added to the formula.

Shop our top recommended surfactant products below. Should you need any help, we offer expert advice on how to use our various products and we can also help you over the phone with our trained representative who can guide you through each step of the the weed control process.

Our Recommendation

Nanotek Surfactant - is our go-to surfactant to mix with herbicides, insecticides and other pesticide products. When applied, it helps the active ingredient to spread evenly and remain on the surface area for a more efficient application.

Nanotek Surfactant is known as a non-ionic surfactant, also known as a wetting agent. Non-ionic refers to the surfactants natural ionic charge. This aids in breaking up the surface tension of water or any other liquids that have been added to the solution in order to help them seep more thoroughly into the plant that they are applied to.

Methylated Seed Oil (MSO) - When a pesticide product suggests using an oil-based surfactant, they are usually talking about Methylated Seed Oil. This works very similarly to Alligare 90, helping an active ingredient penetrate the waxy coating of certain plants so it does its job more effectively.

User Guide

Tools Needed

• Tank Sprayer
• Selected Herbicide Product
• Nanotek Surfactant or Methylated Seed Oil

PPE

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

Step 1: Mix The Surfactant

Surfactant can be applied in two ways:

• Mixing the surfactant with the chemical in the same container, and apply them simultaneously to the plant.
• Or spraying the target plant with the surfactant first, and then applying the chemical.

We would recommend the former method as it saves time spent doing the application. All of the surfactants we carry are labeled to be mixed with all of the pesticides we sell, and will not affect or degrade the product. 

For Nanotek Surfactant, the recommended rate is 1 oz per 1 gallon of spray solutions. For broadcast applications, use 8 oz. of product per 100 gallons of spray solution. Add the Nanotek Surfactant after you have adequately mixed the pesticide with water.

If using Methylated Seed Oil (MSO), mix at a rate of 3/4 pint to 6 quarts per acre depending on conditions and weeds or 1 to 1.5 tablespoons (0.5 to 0.75 oz) per gallon of water. Add the MSO after you have adequately mixed the pesticide with water.

Step 2: Apply The Mixture with Surfactant To Target Plants

Spray your target plants evenly, preferably with a fan nozzle setting for uniform coverage. Spray to wet but just before the point of runoff. You should notice that the product will stick better to the target plant rather than bounce or trickle off of it.

Key Takeaways

• Surfactants is a supplemental additive for pesticide products and help the product perform its job better.
• Following label directions, simply add a small amount of surfactant to the product of your choice and mix well and then apply to your target weed.
• Nanotek Surfactant and MSO are both affordable and can last you a long time since you only need to add a small amount.