The Glyphosate Debate

Even though Turf Care Supply Corp. does not, and has never offered glyphosate in any of its products, this trending topic has led to a significant increase in customer questions. Many customers have also inquired whether or not glyphosate is safe to use. Since there are multiple opinions on the topic, we decided to only provide the facts. This way you can decide whether you think it’s safe after we reveal the details of the Glyphosate Debate.
In this feature, we’ll learn how glyphosate works and why it’s been a frequently used tool in ag for many years. Most importantly, we’ll examine what authoritative bodies have to say regarding whether or not glyphosate is safe. We’ll also review the precautions consumers should take should they decide to use this herbicide.
THE FACTS
What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a non-selective, broad spectrum, systemic herbicide designed to kill most plants. Glyphosate is an organophosphonate that inhibits an enzyme found only in plants called 5-enolpyruvylshikijmate-3-phosphate synthase. Essentially, glyphosate prevents plants from being able to synthesize three key aromatic amino acids. Since amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins are what catalyze metabolic reactions in all organisms, once plants can no longer synthesize these amino acids, they starve and eventually die. Glyphosate is applied foliarly and translocated to mitotic sites in the plant. Glyphosate begins to desiccate many plants within 6-12 hours and can kill smaller weeds in only a few days.
How Did Glyphosate Impact the Ag Industry?
Glyphosate was introduced to the market in 1974 as a means of killing weeds in farm fields. A few decades later, Monsanto came out with Round-Up™ Readycrops. These genetically modified crops were given genes that essentially made them resistant to the effects of glyphosate. The release of RoundUp™ Readycrops was a monumental game changer in ag worldwide; farmers could now spray their fields with glyphosate and effectively kill all the weeds that were competing for space and nutrients without harming the crops. As a result, crop yields increased significantly. RoundUp™ Ready crops are used all over the world today, and are a key component to helping farmers deliver consistently high yields.






CONCLUSION
No Matter the Level of Risk you Decide, Taking Proper Precautions is Best
As is with any pesticide, if you chose to use it, make sure you follow the instructions on the label precisely to ensure maximum efficacy and safety. If you have any questions, contact the manufacturer. Most glyphosate labels will contain the following language:
- Avoid contact with eyes or clothing.
- Wear personal protective clothing (wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, socks and shoes).
- Wash hands thoroughly before eating or drinking
- Pets: glyphosate is generally non-toxic to dogs, cats, and most domestic animals, however ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation. If swallowed provide animal with adequate drinking water and consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist more than 24 hours
- Keep container stored away from water, food, feed, or seed. Avoid spills and surface contamination.
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service to find a distributor near you.
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