As well as a herbicide, Roundup is also an insecticide, according to the findings of a new study. Researchers tested the effects of oral uptake of the Roundup formulation WeatherMax on larvae of the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea, a beneficial insect to farmers and a model organism in ecotoxicity testing programmes. Long-term oral exposure of the larvae was tested with concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 1% dilution – lower than the 1.67% recommended for field applications. Inhibition of metamorphosis was seen at 0.1%, but at a concentration of 0.5 %, Roundup exposure significantly impaired cocoon formation and led to massive lethal malformations. At a concentration of 1%, half of the individuals remained permanent larvae and no adult hatched alive. The effects observed followed a clear dose-response relationship (adding to the certainly that the Roundup caused them). The authors said their findings reveal a gap in regulatory risk assessments that should urgently be addressed, specifically in light of the ongoing insect decline. They added, "In regions where GM crops are grown, like North and South America, exposure to Roundup, in concentrations exceeding those we used in our experiments via prey are very likely." Science of the Total Environment

 

 

In Argentina, the former CEO of Syngenta for South America, Antonio Aracre, has been appointed as chief presidential advisor, starting February 1. Environmental activists have condemned the appointment in a letter that has over 15,000 signatures. “Syngenta is the world’s largest manufacturer of GMOs and pesticides,” said the letter. “Syngenta was key in the consolidation of transgenic soy in Latin America.” The letter writers expressed concern about Aracre’s influence over government decisions regarding Syngenta, pesticide regulation, and what they see as a negative influence over the potential handling of a new Seeds Act in Congress. Buenos Aires Herald

 

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