Roundup (herbicide)

Roundup (herbicide)
Name	Roundup
Caption	A common consumer formulation of the herbicide.
Type	Herbicide
First produced	1970s
Developer	Monsanto
Manufacturer	Bayer (since 2018)

Roundup (herbicide). It is a widely used systemic herbicide introduced by the Monsanto company in the 1970s, becoming one of the most commercially successful agricultural chemicals in history. Its introduction revolutionized weed control, particularly with the later development of genetically modified Roundup Ready crops designed to tolerate its application. The product's prominence has been matched by significant scientific and public debate regarding its potential impacts on human health and the environment, leading to major litigation.

History and development

The herbicide was first synthesized by chemist John E. Franz while working for Monsanto in 1970, a discovery for which he later received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation. Monsanto began selling the formulation commercially in 1974, marketing it as a broad-spectrum, post-emergence herbicide. Its adoption accelerated dramatically in the late 1990s following the commercialization of genetically engineered crops like soybean, corn, and cotton by Monsanto, which were resistant to the chemical. This integrated system transformed agricultural practices in major producing nations such as the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, cementing the product's market dominance.

Active ingredient and mechanism of action

The primary active ingredient is glyphosate, a phosphonate compound that inhibits the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) enzyme, a critical component of the shikimate pathway found in plants and some microorganisms. This inhibition disrupts the synthesis of the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, leading to plant death. Formulations often include various surfactants and other adjuvants, such as polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA), which are designed to enhance foliar penetration and efficacy. The mechanism is generally considered non-selective, affecting most green plants unless they possess genetic resistance.

Agricultural and non-agricultural use

It is extensively applied in agriculture for weed control in crops genetically engineered for tolerance, as well as in orchards, vineyards, and for desiccation prior to harvest. Beyond farming, it is commonly used for vegetation management along railroads, highways, and utility rights-of-way by entities like Network Rail and various Department of Transportation agencies. Homeowners and gardeners frequently use consumer versions for weed control in lawns, gardens, and patios. Its use in aquatic weed control and in forestry for site preparation is also documented, though often regulated.

Health and environmental controversies

Significant controversy surrounds potential human health effects, with agencies reaching different conclusions; the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015, while the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have maintained it is unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk. Studies have investigated potential links to non-Hodgkin lymphoma and impacts on the gut microbiome. Environmental concerns include risks to pollinators like the monarch butterfly, potential water pollution, and effects on soil health and biodiversity, with debates often centering on research from institutions like the University of California, Berkeley and CRIIGEN.

Regulation and legal issues

Regulatory status varies globally; the European Union renewed approval for glyphosate use in 2023 after protracted debate among member states, while countries like Vietnam and Thailand have enacted partial bans. In the United States, the EPA conducts periodic registration reviews, with ongoing litigation influencing its stance. The manufacturer Bayer AG inherited massive liability from Monsanto, culminating in multi-billion dollar settlements to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits, notably those consolidated in the MDL No. 2741 proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Individual high-profile cases include those of plaintiffs Dewayne Johnson and Edwin Hardeman.

Alternatives and resistance

Widespread reliance has led to the evolution of glyphosate-resistant weeds, such as Palmer amaranth and waterhemp, prompting the development of integrated weed management strategies. Agricultural companies like BASF and Corteva market alternative herbicide systems utilizing chemicals such as glufosinate and dicamba, the latter being the subject of its own litigation like the Bader Farms v. Monsanto case. Non-chemical alternatives include increased use of cover crops, mechanical cultivation, and precision agriculture technologies. Research into biological controls and new herbicide modes of action continues at institutions like the Rothamsted Research station.

Category:Herbicides Category:Bayer brands Category:Monsanto