A new study shows that pure glyphosate (without additives) can cause massive damage to amphibians even at concentrations that are often exceeded in the environment. The new study found while untreated clawed frog tadpoles developed normally, treatment with glyphosate led to massive developmental defects: shortened bodies, smaller eyes, malformed and shortened cranial nerves, smaller hearts, and reduced heart rates. The researchers observed the first developmental defects at a concentration of 0.1 milligrams of glyphosate per litre of water – a concentration that is often exceeded in the environment. One of the researchers on the study, Hannah Flach from the University of Ulm, said in a German language article, "Recent findings have found significantly higher glyphosate concentrations in natural waters, such as in Portugal, China and Argentina." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

 

 

“Push-pull” agricultural practices that aim to improve crop yields by minimising the use of synthetic herbicides and insecticides increase yields and prevents pests from adapting over time, a study shows. Researchers assessed how the introduction of the push-pull system in Kenya has impacted variations in crop yields and pest abundance for insects and parasitic weeds over time. According to the researchers, the system uses two companion crops alongside a main crop such as maize, with the “push” plant (such as a legume) planted in rows in between maize and the “pull” plant (such as Napier grass) planted as a perimeter around the edges of the maize field. The “push” plant repels adult female moths when they look for a place to lay their eggs. The females then travel to the edge of the field and are attracted to the “pull” plants, which attract them to lay their eggs but are poor hosts, thereby leading to at least 80% of the larvae dying before reaching adulthood. “The key finding of our study is that push-pull actually gets better the longer it is established,” said Tim Luttermoser, the study’s lead researcher and a doctoral student at Cornell University’s Department of Entomology in the US. SciDev.net

 

 

Over 50 years since Monsanto toxic PCB waste was last dumped, Ty Llwyd Quarry in Wales continues to leak toxins into river, groundwater and soil. Residents are crowdfunding for a legal opinion. Several legal actions from US states, cities, workers and local residents seeking compensation for PCB contamination and harm have been successful, with one award alone totalling over $500 million. Total awards now exceed $2 billion and rising. Residents need to raise an initial target of £5,000 to get legal advice to explore a legal challenge. The aim will be to do what should have been done at least 30 years ago – instal containment measures, ensure the site is safe and the river, woodland and village environment are not harmed. Can you help? Ty Llwyd Toxic Tip Action Group

 

 

GM Freeze, a UK-based organisation that has been doing great work on GMOs for many years, is recruiting a successor to director Liz O’Neill, who will be leaving at the end of July 2023. GMWatch has agreed to help GM Freeze recruit the right person by publicising their job advertisement. GMWatch

 

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