11/December/19

 

The primary mechanism of how glyphosate herbicides kill plants is by inhibiting an enzyme called EPSPS, which is part of a biochemical pathway known as the shikimate pathway. However, proof that glyphosate herbicides can inhibit the EPSPS enzyme and the shikimate pathway in gut bacteria has been lacking. But now a new study has proven beyond doubt that this does indeed happen. Fatty liver disease and death of liver tissue were also confirmed in rats fed regulatory permitted and thus presumed safe doses of the weedkiller. GMWatch

 

 

In an interview with Euractiv, Bayer scientist Dr Larry Gilberston has admitted that gene-editing techniques, which the industry calls "New Breeding Techniques", are in fact GM techniques and are "the same", in terms of the fact that both older-style GM techniques and new gene-editing techniques make changes in DNA. He adds that "there’s no intrinsic difference in the risk" between older-style GM techniques and newer techniques. He also says, contrary to frequent claims, that organisms obtained by gene-editing techniques are detectable. [GMW: His claim that the changes produced by new GM techniques are "just like breeding, just like random mutagenesis technologies" is not supported by evidence. The techniques are different and lead to different risks.] Euractiv

 

 

Three consecutive years of off-target dicamba herbicide injury is taking its toll on the agricultural industry. Leo Reed even has a name for it: dicamba fatigue. "States recognize that both we and the [EPA], we're all suffering from dicamba fatigue - staffing shortages and issues and processing a huge number of complaint cases again this year," said Reed, an Indiana state pesticide regulator serving as president-elect of the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials (AAPCO). "The term dicamba fatigue applies to growers as well," Reed continued. "We're hearing from growers who say, 'I've been hit three years in a row and I'm not going to report anymore. It's not doing any good.'" DTN Progressive Farmer