In nutrient solution, rhizobox and pot experiments this Hohenheim University research shows that foliar applied glyphosate to target plants is released into the rhizosphere after a fast translocation from shoots to roots.
Source: Greenfingers.com
Abstract
There is a common understanding that the widely used herbicide glyphosate is easily degraded and adsorbed in soils and thus, harmless for use in agriculture. We can demonstrate, however, that this conclusion is wrong and dangerous for farmers because in former risk assessments the behaviour of glyphosate in the rhizosphere was not properly considered.
In nutrient solution, rhizobox and pot experiments we can show that foliar applied glyphosate to target plants is released into the rhizosphere after a fast translocation from shoots to roots. In the rhizosphere glyphosate can obviously be stabilized long enough to achieve negative effects on non-target plants. Such a negative side-effect is for example inhibited acquisition of micronutrients such as Mn, but also Zn, Fe and B, which are involved in plant own disease resistance mechanisms.
From this glyphosate transfer from target to non-target plants (e.g. from weed to trees in orchards) we predict an increase in disease problems, particularly on soils with low micronutrient availability as already reported in the USA. In view of plant and soil health, we urgently call for a re-assessment of glyphosate as herbicide.
Authors
G. NEUMANN, S. KOHLS, E. LANDSBERG, K. STOCK-OLIVEIRA SOUZA, T. YAMADA, V. RÖMHELD
