In particular, aquatic weed management is a critical aspect of maintaining healthy water bodies, whether for recreational, agricultural, or ecological purposes. One product that professionals trust in this effort is Cide-Kick II ™, an oil-based non-ionic surfactant that Brewer International manufactures. Users recognize Cide-Kick II ™ for its effectiveness in enhancing herbicide performance, and it plays a pivotal role in controlling invasive aquatic vegetation.
What Is Cide-Kick II ™?
Cide-Kick II ™ is an adjuvant—a substance added to herbicides and algaecides to improve their performance. Its principle functioning agent are terpenes and related isomers, natural compounds that comes from pine trees. This creates Cide-Kick II™’s characteristic pine-like scent and makes it environmentally friendly.
How It Works
Cide-Kick II ™ acts as a wetting agent, activator, and penetrant. It breaks down the waxy cuticle on the surface of aquatic plants, allowing herbicides to penetrate more effectively. This function is especially important when applicators treat tough, waxy-leaved species or submerged vegetation where herbicide uptake is typically limited.
By improving the contact and absorption of herbicides, Cide-Kick II ™ makes treatments more efficient and long-lasting. It’s broadly compatible with most aquatic herbicides. Additionally, professionals also frequently mixed with algaecides to improve control of filamentous and planktonic algae.
Applications in Aquatic Weed Control
Cide-Kick II ™ is used in various aquatic settings, including:
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- Surface applications: For floating and emergent weeds, professionals typically apply 1 pint to 2 quarts per 100 gallons of spray solution.
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- Submerged applications: For underwater vegetation, rates increase to 1–2 gallons per 100 gallons of spray solution
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- Small-scale treatments: Handheld or backpack sprayers use 0.5–2.0% concentration (about 0.75–2.5 fl. oz. per gallon of spray solution)
Therefore, Cide-Kick II ™ versatility makes it highly effective when combined with algaecides to improve control of varying forms of algae, making it a versatile tool in aquatic management.
Why Professionals Use It
Aquatic managers, lake associations, and environmental contractors choose Cide-Kick II ™ for several reasons:
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- Enhanced herbicide performance
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- Cide-Kick II ™ acts as a surfactant, improving the spread and adhesion of herbicides on plant surfaces. By reducing surface tension, it helps herbicides coat leaves more evenly and keeps them in contact longer, increasing their effectiveness. Hence, this is especially important in aquatic environments where water movement can dilute or wash away treatments.
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- Enhanced herbicide performance
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- Improved penetration into plant tissues
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- Aquatic plants often have waxy or water-repellent surfaces that hinder herbicide absorption. Cide-Kick II ™ breaks down these barriers, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the plant tissue. This results in more thorough and systemic control, particularly for tough species like hydrilla, water hyacinth, and milfoil.
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- Improved penetration into plant tissues
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- Compatibility with a wide range of chemicals
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- Cide-Kick II ™ is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of aquatic herbicides and algaecides, including:
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- Glyphosate-based products
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- Diquat formulations
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- 2,4-D and other systemic herbicides
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- Copper-based and biological algaecides
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- Cide-Kick II ™ is designed to work seamlessly with a variety of aquatic herbicides and algaecides, including:
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- Its nonionic nature ensures it doesn’t interfere with the chemical activity of these products, making it a reliable additive across different treatment protocols.
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- Compatibility with a wide range of chemicals
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- Eco-friendly formulation based on natural oils
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- natural compound gives the product a pleasant scent and reduces environmental impact. It’s safe for use in sensitive ecosystems and aligns with sustainable management practices, making it a preferred choice for professionals working in public waterways, recreational lakes, and conservation areas.
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- Eco-friendly formulation based on natural oils
Its use provides especially strong benefits in areas with dense vegetation or hard-to-control species, where standard herbicide applications may fall short.
Ready to enhance your aquatic weed control strategy?
Cide-Kick II ™ ? is the trusted surfactant that boosts herbicide performance and delivers results. Contact Brewer International today to learn more about how Cide-Kick II ™ can support your aquatic management goals. Visit www.brewerint.com or call 1-800-228-1833 to speak with a representative.