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Re: [SANET-MG] GM Crops (roundup/frogs)



Hello again,
The surfactant in the aquatic formulation of glyphosate called Rodeo is claimed to be the active ingredient in killing amphibian according to the publication below:
California Fish and Game 91(1):38-46 2005
An Assessment of the Hazard of a Mixture of the
Herbicide Rodeo® and the Non-Ionic Surfactant R-11®
to Aquatic Invertebrates and Larval Amphibians
JOEL TRUMBO
California Department of Fish and Game
1701 Nimbus Way
Rancho Cordova, CA. 95670
This study was conducted to determine whether the aquatic herbicide Rodeo® (active ingredient: glyphosate) and the non-ionic surfactant R-11® (active ingredient nonylphenol polyethoxylate or NPE) adversely affect aquatic species including invertebrates and larval amphibians. A Rodeo®/R-11® mixture was applied directly to the surface of a pond in a manner that would produce atypically high concentrations of these compounds in water. Water samples were collected from the treated pond for chemical analyses and toxicity tests with the aquatic invertebrate Ceriodaphnia dubia. A toxicity test with the Rodeo®/R-11® mixture was also conducted to determine the LC50 value for the larval life stage of the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens. Water samples collected one hour after application contained the following mean concentrations: glyphosate, 1.83 mg/L; NPE, 1.10 mg/L; and 0.02 mg/L of the NPE breakdown product nonylphenol (NP). Concentrations of glyphosate’s primary breakdown product, amino methyl phosphonic acid (AMPA), were below the laboratory detection limit of 0.020 mg/L. Water samples collected from the treated pond were not acutely lethal to Ceriodaphnia dubia. The 96-h toxicity test with the Rodeo®/R-11® mixture using Rana pipiens produced LC50 values of 6.5 mg/L for glyphosate and 1.7 mg/L for NPE, indicating that the mixture is moderately toxic to the amphibian. A comparison of toxic units for the herbicide and surfactant in the mixture indicated that the toxicity to larval frogs was likely due to R-11® and not Rodeo®. The point that I am making is that the claims on surfactans are not in apparent agreement and the advise of the Garden Web Forum seem designed to kill our friends the frogs? Oh dear, isn't life complicated.; sincerely,joe

Michael Elvin wrote:

Maybe this link (from the GardenWeb forum) can help clear up the confusion surrounding RoundUp and amphibian declines in rice paddy:

<< Previous research had found that the ingredient lethal to amphibians in Roundup was not the herbicide itself, glyphosate, but rather the surfactant, or detergent, that allows the herbicide to penetrate the waxy surfaces of plants. In Roundup, that surfactant is a chemical called polyehtoxylated tallowamine. The problem really comes from improper application and/or choice of products for the given area. Roundup is not a labeled product for use over water or in wetland areas because of one of the ingredients in it (not the Glyphosate) is damaging to aquatic life. Rodeo is the Glyphosate product labeled for use over water. Many people misuse herbicides without reading the label.

In a limited way, Roundup could be safely applied in areas known to contain amphibians if it were applied with either a brush or wick applicator. A mist application is typically the real culprit. Once again … READ THE LABEL. Improper use typically yields unintended consequences. >>

Also

<< I would also add that studies where Roundup has been used to control plants in various habitats that contain populations of amphibians, such as forestland and riparian areas, have not shown negative impacts on these animals. It is clear that surfactants, such as those in detergents, soaps and Roundup are not appropriate for direct application to water, but it is equally clear that labeled use of Roundup in non-aquatic sites is not a cause for concern regarding amphibians. The primary problem with this study is the very misleading press release and comments from the author that purported that the study results were totally unexpected. Nothing could be further from the truth. The toxicity of surfactants, including Roundup's surfactant, to aquatic organisms is well known and has been well documented for many years. There is no reason to discontinue labeled use of Roundup in restoration work. The link Penn State sums it up very well. >>

http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/natives/msg0812580527444.html

The wisdom I glean from this thread is that (a) when using any kind of death in a bottle, follow label instructions and also read the literature. And (b) if there is a potential for misuse, the product WILL be misused by others-- and likely on a massive scale.

PS I like the tip about vinegar.

&NBSP;

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