Re:Roundup’s Risks Could Go Well Beyond Cancer
by manifestsilence on Wednesday June 05, 2019 @11:42AM
(#20105551)
The problem with the glyphosate-resistant varieties is that they allow for liberal and injudicious use of the chemical. I'm sure it makes economic sense to be able to carpet spray your crop instead of having to spot spray or use careful timing, but over-spray blowing onto trees causes damage in many areas, as well as putting large quantities of glyphosate into water systems.
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Re:Roundup’s Risks Could Go Well Beyond Cancer
by chicob on Wednesday June 05, 2019 @12:04PM
(#20105786)
I understand that worry, but it doesn't make much economic sense.
It is possible that some farmers would abuse it, but that would be expensive and unnecessary, since the target weed would die with a regular dosage.
Abuse of glyphosate spraying is also counter-productive. Low volume sprayings are generally more effective.
And by the way, glyphosate-resistant does not mean glyphosate-impervious. Non-targets can still be harmed.
The risk of over-usage of glyphosate is re-enforcing naturally occurring resistance in target weeds. Glyphosate should always be used at intervals, with different herbicides filling in the gaps.
Re:Roundup’s Risks Could Go Well Beyond Cancer
by manifestsilence on Thursday June 06, 2019 @03:45PM
(#20118324)
I mean to say that current levels of application as actually practiced are too high and cause damage. It seemingly hasn't been proven, but many people blame it for oak tatters:
https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/oak-tatters