Glyphosate: What is it and why is it used?

What is Glyphosate?

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant. It is an organophosphorus compound, specifically a phosphonate, which works by inhibiting a plant enzyme called 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSP). This enzyme is essential for plants to produce certain proteins needed for growth¹.

Organophosphorus compounds are a class of chemicals that contain phosphorus, carbon, and other elements. They are widely used in agriculture as pesticides, in industry as flame retardants, and in medicine as pharmaceuticals. Other examples include insecticides like malathion and nerve agents like sarin.

Glyphosate is used to control weeds, particularly annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops. It was discovered by Monsanto chemist John E. Franz in 1970 and brought to market under the trade name Roundup in 1974¹. It’s known for its effectiveness in killing weeds without harming crops genetically modified to resist it¹.

However, its use has been subject to controversy due to concerns about its potential health risks. While some health authorities consider glyphosate-based weed killers safe when used as directed, the International Agency on the Research for Cancer (IARC) has classified it as a “possible carcinogen”². It’s important to follow safety guidelines and regulations when using products containing glyphosate..

How is it used in farming?

Glyphosate is widely used in the farming industry for several purposes:

• Weed Control: It is applied to fields to control a broad spectrum of weeds, which can otherwise compete with crops for nutrients and space¹.
• No-Till Farming: Glyphosate is used in no-till or reduced-tillage farming practices to control weeds without disturbing the soil. This method helps to maintain soil structure and reduce erosion¹.
• Crop Desiccation: Farmers use glyphosate as a desiccant to dry out crops before harvest, which can speed up the harvesting process and improve yield³.
• Regenerative Farming: It plays a role in regenerative farming practices, where reducing ploughing is encouraged to protect soil life and prevent carbon release¹.

However, its use has been controversial due to environmental concerns and health risks associated with its application. There’s an ongoing debate about its safety and efforts to reduce reliance on such chemicals in farming¹².

Source: Conversation with Bing, 17/03/2024
(1) Glyphosate – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glyphosate.
(2) Glyphosate: How It Works, Risks, and Legality – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/glyphosate-5084577.
(3) What is glyphosate? | Live Science. https://www.livescience.com/glyphosate-round-up.html.
(4) Glyphosate – ECHA. https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/glyphosate.
(5) Getty Images. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/blackboard-with-the-chemical-formula-of-glyphosate-royalty-free-image/497123778.
(1) Glyphosate use rises in UK farming while overall pesticide use falls. https://wickedleeks.riverford.co.uk/news/glyphosate-use-rises-in-uk-farming-while-overall-pesticide-use-falls/.
(2) Glyphosate: How It Works, Risks, and Legality – Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/glyphosate-5084577.
(3) NFU position on glyphosate – NFUonline. https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/plant-protection-products-where-we-stand-on-glyphosate/.
(4) What you need to know about glyphosate – AustralianFarmers. https://farmers.org.au/campaign/glyphosate/.