Does adding more non-ionic surfactant inhibit the efficacy of active ingredient on target plants?

[tstex]

Hello to all,

We have some weeds that are growing up and out of other desirable plants. I heard a technique a long time ago to mix your chemical [41% glyphosate] w water and surfactant. Then put on some dishwashing plastic gloves, dip the gloves into the herbicide, then grab the weed and move your fingers the entire possible length of the weed's exposed leaves. Obviously, you are going to drop some of the chemical on the desirable plant too. I was contemplating adding more surfactant to raise the viscosity to reduce the drop rate. Would increasing the surfactant lessen the efficacy of the glyphosates kill rate?

Most surfactants mixture ratio is 1oz/gal. Most 41% glyphosate's mixture ratio is 1-3oz/gal of water. I could also increase the % strength of the glyphosate to water as well. along with the higher surfactant rate. The higher the viscosity, the less amt will drip onto the desirable plant. I will probably experiment to ascertain what mixture ratio's work the best, but if anyone of you have good experience in herbicide chemistries, there's no use in re-inventing the wheel if some of you guys are very experienced with non-discriminating herbicides.

The desirable plant is lantana, and the weed is a type of grass that has a deep root system and grows up and out laterally, but not by rhizomes.

Thank you very much for your feedback. I will post back what we figure out works best.
tstex

 

[fishheadbob]

It almost sounds like you want a near slurry or paste of weed killer. I've never gone above a 1 or 2% surfactant rate because the mix has to be pretty viscuous to pass through sprayer screens, nozzles, etc. and a regular mix still drips. If you try your method I think I'd go a lot heavier duty than dishwashing gloves cause you know you're going to get that slop all over the place. Maybe look and see if a wick applicator would work for your weeds. Good Luck.

 

[workinonit]

Get yourself a cheap wick bar.

 

[tstex]

Thank you fish & work

You’ve sparked another avenue and that’s a plastic glove, then some type of cotton glove over that. Increased viscosity & increased strength should do the trick. I’ll post some b4’s & afters too.

Thanks again

 

[rgr33]

1oz/gal seems like a lot of surfactant, but I guess that may depend on the brand that you use.

I spray a biweekly fungicide, with spreader/ sticker New film P added, on my grapes at 4oz/ 50 gal
On herbicides, the same ratio, with a shot of liquid nitrogen to speed things up

I don’t know your particular situation, or what product you are using, so just giving you an example of what I have been successfully doing for the past 26 years on some very finicky plants

 

[tstex]

Thx rgr

Your surfactant may be more concentrated, but for the std non ionic Ag grade, it’s always been 1oz/gal.

What herbicide do you use a d what is its concentration? I’m using a std 41% glyphosate. I cannot remember my surfactant type, but it’s for spraying lily pads w aquatic herbicide. This really reduces the water tension, obviously.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Thx rgr

Your surfactant may be more concentrated, but for the std non ionic Ag grade, it’s always been 1oz/gal.

What herbicide do you use a d what is its concentration? I’m using a std 41% glyphosate. I cannot remember my surfactant type, but it’s for spraying lily pads w aquatic herbicide. This really reduces the water tension, obviously.

Are you able to find out your surfactant type and post it? I have lilypads.
Thanks!

 

[tstex]

Spy,

I should be going out tomorrow. If i do, I’ll take a pic for you. If not tomorrow, Saturday. Either way, I’ll get you the type.

 

[Beaver Cove Deere]

Didn’t the not following directions get us to we are today with chemicals?
Don’t misunderstand. I still use Roundup mixed exactly as written and applied.

 

[kneedeep]

Get yourself a cheap wick bar.

View attachment 878259

Mix 1 to 1 glyphosate and water/crop oil with a little dawn.
About quart or so in this will last long time. Pour back in jar after use to store.
Lot safer than dipping gloved hand in mixture.
Stay on label.