Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - January 05, 2008
From: austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Use of surfactants with herbicide for water
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I read the article on frogs and the use of Rodeo. Your answer was correct, but to the best of my knowledge, Rodeo is approved for use near water only because it lacks a surfactant. When surfactant is added, the chemical has been altered and is no longer for use near water. Is this correct, also?ANSWER:
In our previous answer we discussed the dangers of herbicides to amphibians because of the way they absorb their oxygen through the skin. On this Midwest Aqua Care website, instructions for the use of Rodeo Herbicide/Shore Klear for aquatic plants are to mix the product with water and a non-ionic surfactant. The article goes on to say "Water use restrictions: None." At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, we are specialists in plants native to North America, and are not chemists. It would appear that the manufacturer of this product is claiming there is no problem with using their herbicide on water with a non-ionic surfactant mixed in. Beyond that, we don't know the answer to your question.
More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Why did my Prairie Flax plant die in Austin, TX?
April 27, 2012 - Hello,
We planted 4 prairie flax last fall in garden. They were all growing nicely until last month when I found that one of them has completely dried up and died. The plants are planted together a...
view the full question and answer
Leaf browning problem on unidentified plant from Batesville MS
October 01, 2013 - Have a night series plant that is all of a sudden the leaves on the ends are turning dark brown and eventually back to the stalk. I flushes good and cut off dead parts and it continues. Any ideas? it ...
view the full question and answer
How do I save my recently transplanted yaupon holly?
April 20, 2011 - Recently transplanted (two weeks ago) a yaupon holly tree from one part of the yard to another. Leaves are beginning to turn yellow and fall. What can be done to save this plant?
view the full question and answer
Century plant leaves falling over from San Antonio
April 10, 2013 - Have a large century plant about % feet tall. The leaves are falling over. Can you tell me what to do to avoid this.
view the full question and answer
Red maple a casualty of Hurricane Ike in Houston
November 21, 2009 - We have a 3 year old Drummond Red Maple, between the sidewalk and the street in front of our house, that fell during Hurricane Ike. We replanted it. I recently noticed that the bark is severely cracke...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |