Tenacity & Surfactant: A MUST? Unveiling the TRUTH!
Achieving optimal weed control with Tenacity herbicide often hinges on a critical decision: should I use a surfactant with Tenacity herbicide? Syngenta, the manufacturer of Tenacity, provides guidelines, but understanding the rationale behind surfactant use is crucial. Effective utilization of Tenacity requires a solid grasp of herbicide application techniques and the role adjuvants play in enhancing herbicide performance. Therefore, analyzing factors like the weed species present and the prevailing environmental conditions at the golf course or lawn you are treating is essential for answering the question of whether to use a surfactant.
Image taken from the YouTube channel Princess Cut Lawn Care , from the video titled How to KILL WEEDS like a BOSS, Using TENACITY herbicide including Dandelions , Crabgrass , Clover .
Should I Use a Surfactant with Tenacity Herbicide? Unveiling the Truth
Understanding whether to use a surfactant with Tenacity herbicide is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness and preventing unwanted plant damage. This guide will explore the interaction between Tenacity and surfactants, helping you make informed decisions.
What is Tenacity Herbicide?
Tenacity is a systemic herbicide known for its selective control of various broadleaf weeds and grasses in turfgrass, particularly in newly seeded or established lawns. Its active ingredient, mesotrione, inhibits a key enzyme responsible for photosynthesis in susceptible plants. This disruption ultimately leads to the bleaching and eventual death of the targeted weeds.
- Target Weeds: Common weeds controlled by Tenacity include crabgrass, goosegrass, clover, dandelion, and nutsedge.
- Application: Tenacity is typically applied as a foliar spray, meaning it’s sprayed directly onto the leaves of the weeds.
Understanding Surfactants
A surfactant is a substance that reduces the surface tension of a liquid, allowing it to spread more easily across a surface. In the context of herbicides, surfactants help the herbicide adhere better to the leaf surface of the target weed.
Types of Surfactants
- Non-ionic surfactants (NIS): These are the most commonly recommended type of surfactant for use with herbicides. They don’t have an electrical charge, which makes them compatible with a wide range of herbicides.
- Anionic surfactants: These surfactants have a negative charge. Their compatibility with certain herbicides may be limited.
- Cationic surfactants: These surfactants have a positive charge and are generally not recommended for use with herbicides, as they can react negatively and reduce effectiveness or even cause unintended damage.
The Role of Surfactants with Herbicides
Surfactants play a vital role in enhancing herbicide performance.
- Improved Coverage: Surfactants allow the herbicide spray to spread evenly over the leaf surface, ensuring better contact.
- Increased Absorption: By reducing surface tension, surfactants help the herbicide penetrate the waxy cuticle of the leaf, leading to greater absorption into the plant.
- Rainfastness: Some surfactants can improve the rainfastness of the herbicide, meaning it’s less likely to be washed off by rain or irrigation after application.
Tenacity and Surfactants: The Specifics
So, should you use a surfactant with Tenacity herbicide? The answer is generally yes, but with specific considerations.
Tenacity Label Recommendations
The Tenacity herbicide label is the most important resource. Always read and follow the label directions carefully. The label will typically specify:
- The recommended type of surfactant: Typically, a non-ionic surfactant (NIS) is recommended.
- The recommended rate of surfactant: The label will specify how much surfactant to add to the spray solution. This rate is crucial to follow; using too much or too little can reduce effectiveness or cause harm.
Why is a Surfactant Generally Recommended with Tenacity?
While Tenacity is a powerful herbicide, adding a surfactant can significantly improve its performance, particularly on hard-to-wet weeds or when environmental conditions are not ideal. The surfactant helps Tenacity adhere to the weed’s waxy leaf surface, increasing absorption and overall effectiveness.
Situations Where a Surfactant Might NOT be Necessary
- Very young, susceptible weeds: If the weeds are very young and actively growing, Tenacity might be effective even without a surfactant.
- Specific tank mixes: Some tank mixes (combinations of herbicides and/or other products) may already contain a surfactant, or the label may advise against using additional surfactants. Always consult the label before mixing any products.
Potential Problems with Using the Wrong Surfactant or Rate
- Reduced Effectiveness: Using the wrong type of surfactant or the wrong rate can actually decrease the effectiveness of Tenacity.
- Phytotoxicity: Applying too much surfactant or using a surfactant that is incompatible with Tenacity can lead to phytotoxicity, or damage to the desirable turfgrass.
- Uneven Application: Improper mixing can result in an inconsistent spray solution, leading to uneven weed control.
Choosing the Right Surfactant
- Read the Label: This is the most important step. Make sure the surfactant is specifically labeled for use with herbicides.
- Choose a Non-ionic Surfactant (NIS): Generally, NIS surfactants are the most compatible and widely recommended for use with Tenacity.
- Consider Quality: Opt for a reputable brand of surfactant. Higher quality surfactants may provide better results and be less likely to cause problems.
Application Tips
- Read the Tenacity label thoroughly before mixing or applying.
- Use clean water for mixing the spray solution.
- Mix the Tenacity and surfactant according to the label directions. Usually, the surfactant is added after the Tenacity has been thoroughly mixed.
- Apply the spray solution evenly to the target weeds, avoiding over-application.
- Avoid spraying during windy conditions to prevent drift and off-target damage.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Poor weed control after application | Incorrect surfactant type or rate used | Verify you used the correct surfactant type and rate according to the Tenacity label. |
| Turfgrass damage (phytotoxicity) | Too much surfactant used or incompatible surfactant | Reduce the surfactant rate or use a different, recommended surfactant. Ensure the surfactant is compatible with Tenacity and safe for use on your turfgrass species. |
| Clogging of spray nozzles | Poor mixing or incompatible products | Ensure all products are thoroughly mixed and compatible before adding them to the spray tank. Use a tank cleaner if necessary. |
Tenacity & Surfactant: Your Burning Questions Answered
Still have questions about using Tenacity herbicide and surfactants? Here are some common concerns addressed to help you get the best results.
What exactly is a surfactant and why is it often recommended with Tenacity?
A surfactant is a substance that reduces the surface tension of water. This helps Tenacity spread more evenly over the weeds and penetrate their surfaces more effectively. Whether you should use a surfactant with Tenacity herbicide depends on the specific weeds you’re targeting and the product label recommendations.
What happens if I skip the surfactant when applying Tenacity?
Without a surfactant, Tenacity might not stick as well to the weed’s leaves, especially if they have a waxy or hairy surface. This can reduce the amount of herbicide absorbed, leading to less effective weed control. Always check the Tenacity label, as it often recommends a surfactant for optimal performance. You should use a surfactant with Tenacity herbicide in most cases.
Are all surfactants the same for use with Tenacity?
No, not all surfactants are created equal. The Tenacity label typically specifies the type of surfactant to use. A non-ionic surfactant (NIS) is generally recommended. Using the wrong type of surfactant could actually decrease the effectiveness of Tenacity or even damage your lawn. Again, the answer of if you should use a surfactant with Tenacity herbicide is on the label.
Can I use too much surfactant with Tenacity herbicide?
Yes, using too much surfactant can be detrimental. It can cause excessive runoff, reducing the amount of Tenacity that’s absorbed. Follow the instructions on both the Tenacity and surfactant labels carefully to ensure the correct application rate. Overuse doesn’t improve weed control and can potentially harm your turf. It’s essential to determine the ideal ratio of how much you should use a surfactant with Tenacity herbicide.
Alright, hope this clears up some of the confusion around whether you should use a surfactant with Tenacity herbicide! Good luck battling those weeds!
