Glyphosate

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Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops. It was discovered to be an herbicide by Monsanto chemist John E. Franz in 1970. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides, including the widely used Roundup brand.

Chemical Properties

Glyphosate is a phosphonate and a glycine derivative. Its chemical name is N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. It is a systemic herbicide, meaning it is absorbed through the foliage and transported to growing points. Glyphosate inhibits a specific enzyme pathway, the shikimic acid pathway, which is necessary for plants and some microorganisms.

Usage

Glyphosate is used in agriculture, forestry, urban and home gardens. It is effective in controlling a wide range of plant species, including grasses, sedges, broadleaf weeds, and woody plants. Glyphosate is often used in no-till farming and is a key component in the practice of conservation tillage.

Mechanism of Action

Glyphosate works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), which is involved in the synthesis of the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan. This enzyme is part of the shikimic acid pathway, which is found in plants and microorganisms but not in animals, making glyphosate selectively toxic to plants.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of glyphosate is a subject of ongoing research and debate. Glyphosate is generally considered to have low toxicity to animals and humans, but its widespread use has raised concerns about potential effects on biodiversity, soil health, and water quality. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015, although other agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have stated that it is not likely to be carcinogenic.

Regulation and Controversy

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides globally, and its use is regulated by various governmental agencies. In the European Union, glyphosate's approval has been subject to extensive review and debate. In the United States, the EPA regulates its use and has conducted multiple reviews of its safety.

Alternatives

Due to the controversies surrounding glyphosate, there is increasing interest in alternative weed control methods. These include mechanical weeding, the use of cover crops, and the development of herbicides with different modes of action.

See Also

• Herbicide
• Monsanto
• Roundup
• Shikimic acid pathway
• No-till farming
• Conservation tillage
• Environmental Protection Agency
• International Agency for Research on Cancer

External Links

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