> ...[Monsanto reps] are assuring everyone that
> this herbibide will only kill grasses and thereby enhance the
> growth of trees, with no toxic effects to humans, wild game,
> fish or water....
I just came across this info in a USDA handout (AD-BU-2282, on poison ivy)
regarding:
GLYPHOSATE
"Glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)-glycine] ... is appled to the foliage of
plants in the late summer after fruit has formed and provided there is
adequate moisture in the soil to support growth. Glyphosatye kills or severely
injures most kinds of plants contaced by the spray. Use it carefully near
shrubbery and flowers, and do not use it in areas with grass that you wish to
retain. Glyphosate generally does not act through the soil and has little soil
residual toxicity if properly used. Sprayed areas can be reseeded relatively
soon after treatment. The herbicide is translocated throughout the plants and
kils both roots and tops..."
and herbicies generally:
PRECAUTIONS
"Keep herbicides away from children, livestock and pets...
Store herbicides where they cannot contaminate food, feed, or water.
Do not inhale pesticides, and avoid contact with spray mist and drift.
Avoid repeated or prolonged contact of herbicide with your skin and do not
allow contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth.
To protect fish, wildlife, and livestock, do not clean spraying equipment
or dump excess spray material near lakes, streams or ponds...."
The picture I get is that insofar as it goes where it's supposed to, it's no
problem, but outside of that, all bets are off.
|{hm kerry miller <ASTINGSH@KSUVM.KSU.EDU>