Journal or Publishing Institution: Növényvédelem
Study: https://web.archive.org/web/20180718180411/http://bdarvas.hu/download/pdf/DBglyph2.pdf
Author(s): Darvas, B., Fejes, A., Mörtl, M., Bokán, K., Bánáti, H., Fekete G., and Székács, A.
Article Type: Journal Publication
Record ID: 449
Abstract: Glyphosate-based herbicides are leading products of the current pesticide market, and this trend has further strengthened outside Europe with the spread of glyphosate-tolerant GM crops. Glyphosate forms complexes with metal ions (Al, Fe, Mn, Zn) in the soil, but precipitation washes it into deeper soil layers. Its primary metabolite, AMPA, is more mobile than the parent compound. Their detection in environmental samples is rather problematic, this is why these compounds are not listed in most countries among commonly detected pesticide residues. The expansion of glyphosate-tolerant GM crops is likely to result in more common occurrence of glyphosate in food and feed, and metabolites AMPA and NAG may also call for special attention depending on given genetic events. Severe professional debates are going on regarding the side-effects of glyphosate and its herbicide preparations (particularly those containing POEA as formulating agent). Glyphosate reduces disease tolerance of certain plants, while facilitating fungal root colonization e.g., Fusarium species. It is toxic to amphibians, and is suspected to exert teratogenicity on birds and amphibians. Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of glyphosate-based preparations are at a cross-fire of debates. The hormone modulant effect of glyphosate is exacerbated by the formulating agent (POEA). Upon extended application, glyphosate resistant (GR) populations are selected from given weeds: the number of such species identified is 21, including GR Amaranthus, Conyza and Lolium populations besides ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) and Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense).
Keywords: glyphosate, AMPA, glyphosate-tolerant plant, secondary effects, hormone modulant, mutagenicity, teratogenicity
Citation: Darvas, B., Fejes, A., Mörtl, M., Bokán, K., Bánáti, H., Fekete G., and Székács, A., 2011. Environmental health problems of glyphosate applications. Növényvédelem, 47(9).
