Glyphosate facts for kids
Glyphosate is a widely used chemical that helps control unwanted plants. It is a type of herbicide, which means it kills weeds, shrubs, and grasses. You might know it by its famous brand name, Roundup, made by Monsanto. Farmers often use glyphosate to clear fields before planting or to manage weeds in their crops. It is also used with special crops that have been genetically changed to resist it.
Some studies have looked into how glyphosate might affect animals and people. Scientists continue to study this topic to understand its full effects.
Contents
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a chemical compound. It works by stopping a specific enzyme in plants. This enzyme is needed for plants to grow. When the enzyme is blocked, the plant cannot make certain proteins. This causes the plant to wither and die. Because it targets a process found in plants, it is very effective at killing many different types of weeds.
How is Glyphosate Used?
Glyphosate is used in many places. Its main use is in agriculture. Farmers spray it on fields to get rid of weeds. This helps their crops grow better because weeds do not steal water and nutrients.
Use in Genetically Modified Crops
Some crops, like corn, soybeans, and cotton, have been genetically modified. This means their DNA has been changed. These special crops are designed to be resistant to glyphosate. Farmers can then spray glyphosate over their fields. The glyphosate kills the weeds but does not harm the resistant crops. This makes weed control easier for farmers.
Other Uses
Beyond farming, glyphosate is also used in other areas:
- It helps clear land for new construction.
- It controls weeds along roadsides and railway lines.
- It can be used in gardens and parks to manage unwanted plants.
- Sometimes, it is used in forests to help young trees grow without competition from weeds.
History of Glyphosate
Glyphosate was first discovered in 1970 by a scientist named John E. Franz. He worked for the company Monsanto. Monsanto started selling glyphosate as a herbicide in 1974 under the brand name Roundup. For many years, Monsanto held the patent for glyphosate. This meant they were the only company allowed to sell it. When the patent expired in 2000, other companies began to make and sell their own versions of glyphosate. This made the product more widely available and often cheaper.
Images for kids
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Monsanto's Roundup is the earliest formulation of glyphosate.
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Estimated use of glyphosate in the US in 2013 and estimated total use from 1992 to 2013
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Glyphosate used as an alternative to mowing in an apple orchard in Ciardes, Italy
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Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri)
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Horseweed (Conyza canadensis)
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Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)
See also
In Spanish: Glifosato para niños
