What is glyphosate?
Glyphosate is a herbicide that kills most plants. It works by blocking an enzyme called 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate (EPSP) synthase. This enzyme is not found in humans or animals. When glyphosate is applied to a plant it spreads to all parts of the plant. Glyphosate stops the plant’s cells from making some of the amino acids needed for plant growth. Humans and animals make these amino acids using a different process than plants.
Glyphosate products registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) are considered safe to use when the instructions on the label are followed. Australian law requires agricultural chemical products to meet specific criteria regarding safety for people and the environment. Products also need to be effective when used as directed and be acceptable for international trade. The label for a chemical product must also meet legal criteria. These criteria include that the label has adequate safety directions and instructions on how the product must be used.
Using glyphosate products
Agricultural chemical products registered by the APVMA for use in Australia have instructions for use and safety directions on their label. Users must follow the instructions and safety directions on the label of the product they are using, even if similar products have different instructions.
Commercial and home garden products have different safety directions. Home garden products are generally diluted and ready to use, so are less likely to pose a risk to users. Where home garden products require dilution, generally only small quantities are needed for average garden use, which can be handled safely. Many commercial glyphosate products are highly concentrated and need to be mixed before use, often with large quantities needed to treat extensive areas. This poses a risk of skin and eye damage if the required personal protective equipment is not used.
Each state or territory in Australia has a regulator responsible for making sure agricultural chemicals are used correctly by end-users. If you are concerned a glyphosate product has been used incorrectly, you can contact your state or territory regulator.
What is glyphosate used for?
Glyphosate is used to kill weeds in various situations including agriculture, industrial areas, and the home garden. Glyphosate is used in no-till cropping to kill weeds before planting the next crop. This aims to reduce soil erosion and CO2 emissions compared to traditional ploughing methods. Glyphosate is also used to control invasive weeds to help with conservation of natural habitats. Glyphosate products are supplied as concentrates for professional users and ready to use sprays for home garden users. Glyphosate is applied using different spray equipment, depending on the situation.
Are there alternatives to glyphosate?
Glyphosate is widely used due to its effectiveness as a herbicide and low toxicity to humans and animals. The selection of the most appropriate way to control weeds takes into account many factors, and glyphosate products are not the only option to manage weeds. Information about other herbicides that can be used in the same situations can be found by searching the APVMA’s PubCRIS database. Growers may also choose to use agricultural practices, such as manual weeding or ploughing to control weeds.