Glyphosate – the world’s most widely used broad-spectrum herbicide

What is glyphosate?

In today's diverse world of pesticides, glyphosate undoubtedly garners significant attention. It is a non-selective, broad-spectrum organophosphorus herbicide, chemically known as N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine. It was first synthesized by Monsanto in 1970 and officially launched in 1974. At its inception, it was a shining star, rapidly becoming the world's most widely used glyphosate weed killer thanks to its exceptional effectiveness and relatively low cost.

As a systemic herbicide, glyphosate is absorbed through plant leaves and transported through the phloem to the roots, achieving a complete kill throughout the plant. This makes it extremely versatile: from vast farmlands, landscape gardens, orchards to railways, highways, and industrial sites, glyphosate effectively eliminates weeds.

Glyphosate Mechanism of Action

A deeper dive into the mechanism of action of glyphosate reveals a wealth of scientific secrets. Its core mechanism is the inhibition of the plant enzyme EPSPS (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase). This enzyme is crucial in the shikimate pathway, responsible for the synthesis of aromatic amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan). When glyphosate inhibits this key enzyme, the plant is unable to synthesize essential amino acids, ultimately leading to its death.

Notably, this metabolic pathway exists only in plants; animals lack this mechanism. Therefore, glyphosate (glyphosate herbicide) has relatively low acute toxicity to humans and animals, making it relatively safe.

Main Uses of Glyphosate

(I) Agricultural Uses

In agriculture, glyphosate is one of the most important glyphosate herbicide weed killers. Its use is particularly prevalent in the cultivation of glyphosate-tolerant genetically modified crops (such as soybeans, corn, and cotton). Through the "planting + spraying" model, farmers can effectively control weeds, reduce tillage, save labor, and significantly increase crop yields.

(II) Non-agricultural Uses

Glyphosate (weed killer) is also widely used in urban construction and traffic maintenance. It is commonly used in parks, green belts, highways, railways, and airports to help clear weeds, ensuring a clean environment and traffic safety. In industrial parks, glyphosate can also reduce the risk of fires caused by excessive weeds.

(III) No-till Agricultural Technology

Glyphosate is also a key supporter of "no-till farming." By using glyphosate herbicide to control weeds, excessive tillage is avoided, soil erosion is reduced, organic matter is preserved, and greenhouse gas emissions are reduced. This not only improves soil fertility but also supports sustainable agricultural development.

Glyphosate Market Status

Currently, glyphosate is primarily produced and supplied by countries such as China, India, and the United States. China is the world's largest producer, with leading companies such as Hebang Bio, Yangnong Chemical, and Xingfa Group performing exceptionally well in the international market. Global glyphosate usage exceeds 800,000 tons annually, across more than 100 countries and regions, making it the world's largest-selling single herbicide.

Controversy and Regulation

Despite the immense value of glyphosate in agricultural production, controversy continues regarding its safety and environmental impact.

Carcinogenicity Controversy: In 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified glyphosate as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A). However, agencies such as the US EPA and the European EFSA consider glyphosate herbicide "extremely unlikely to be carcinogenic to humans."

Environmental Concerns: Long-term, high-volume use of glyphosate (glyphosate weed killer) may lead to the emergence of drug-resistant weeds and impact non-target plants and ecosystems. Glyphosate residues have also raised food safety concerns.

Policy and Regulation: The EU remains cautious about re-approving glyphosate; however, major agricultural countries such as the United States, Brazil, and China continue to allow its use under strict regulation, balancing food production and environmental protection needs.

Future Development Trends

As agriculture shifts toward greener and more precise methods, the glyphosate herbicide industry is exploring new paths:

Combining new herbicides – delaying the development of resistance.

Developing bioglyphosate – pursuing more environmentally friendly alternatives.

Integrating precision agriculture – optimizing the efficiency of glyphosate herbicide weed killers through drones and variable-rate spraying.

Integrated weed management – encouraging reduced glyphosate use and combining mechanical, biological, and agronomic measures.

Conclusion

Overall, glyphosate, as an effective, low-cost, and widely used glyphosate herbicide weed killer, remains crucial in the global agricultural system. It has significantly increased crop yields and contributed to global food security. However, the safety and environmental challenges it poses also remind us that we must strike a balance between food production and ecological protection. Through innovative research and development and scientific regulation, glyphosate and its alternatives will continue to play an important role in the future sustainable development of agriculture.