Roundup

Roundup is the brand name of the systemic, non-selective family of herbicides produced by Monsanto. It is among the most popular herbicides in the world. The active ingredient in Roundup is the isopropylamine salt of glyphosate[?].

Roundup's mode of action is to inhibit an enzyme involved in the synthesis of the amino acids tyrosine, tryptophan, and phenylalanine. It is absorbed through foliage and translocated to growing points. Because of this mode of action it is only effective on actively growing plants; it is not effective as a pre-emergence herbicide[?].

Monsanto produces seeds genetically engineered to be tolerant to Roundup, or "Roundup Ready". The genes contained in these seeds are patented and their distribution is tightly controlled.

While glyphosate iteself is considered less toxic than table salt, the surfactants used in the various Roundup products can cause health issues. Like all commercial pesticides, Roundup should only be applied in accordance with all labeling and legal requirements.

In repeated dose toxicity testing, Roundup Original RT was found to be mildly irritating to the eyes and not irritating dermally.

External links

• http://www.roundup.com
• http://www.roundup.com/product_info/msds
• http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0057.htm
• http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwh/c-soc/glyphosa
• http://xs2.greenpeace.org/~usa/reports/biodiversity/roundup/
• http://greenpeaceusa.org/media/factsheets/glyphosate.htm