Enlist Weed Control System
The Enlist Weed Control System is an agricultural method whereby weeds are controlled by the herbicide Enlist Duo while crops are grown that have been genetically modified to resist Enlist's two herbicides.[1][2] The system has been developed by Dow AgroSciences, part of Dow Chemical Company.[1] As of 2014 the components of the Enlist Weed Control System await approval for growing corn and soybeans by regulatory agencies in a number of countries, including the US, Brazil, Argentina and various import markets.[3]
The Enlist approach was developed as glyphosate-resistent "superweeds" have become a problem reducing the proficiency of agricultural methods that rely on the use of GMO crops resistant to glyphosate.[1] It is intended to replace Monsanto’s Roundup Ready system that was introduced in 1996 and has dominated the market.
Enlist Duo
Enlist Duo is a herbicide that contains the choline form of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and glyphosate plus an unknown number of unlisted ingredients. Dow added chemicals to the mixture in what it termed "Colex-D technology" with the intent to minimize physical drift, ultraviolet volatility, reduce odor, and improve handling.[4] As of 2014 Enlist Duo is awaiting EPA approval for use in a number of states of the US.
Enlist crops
Dow has developed a number of crops that resist the two pesticides of Enlist Duo. As of 2014 Enlist corn and Enlist soybeans have been approved in Canada and await approval by USDA.[3]
Criticism
If Enlist Duo is approved it will lead to a dramatic increase in the use of the herbicide 2,4-D. Thus USDA estimates that by 2020 44.5 million pounds will be used without Enlist Duo, but if approved, the amount could increase to 176 million pounds.[1] Dioxin-laced 2.4-D has been one of the main ingredients of Agent Orange, a highly toxic defoliant used during the Vietnam War.[5] Also, 2,4-D is volatile and by EPA assessment a hazardous air pollutant that is difficult to contain raising the possibility of herbicide drift.[6]
General criticism is aimed at the concept of using pesticides with pesticide-resistant crops as it is likely that pesticide-resistant weeds will develop naturally in response. Thus agriculture enters a spiral of using ever more toxic substances polluting soil, air, and water in the result of an ongoing "chemical arms race".[5][6] Critics point out that a "chemical arms race" with nature can never be won and is not sustainable.[6] Instead, herbicides and pesticides should be rejected in favor of the use of non-toxic, sustainable methods to control pests and enrich the soil.[6]
External links
References
- ^ a b c d Carey Gilliam (March 10, 2014). "As Dow seeks growth, new Enlist crop/chemicals seen as key". Reuters. Retrieved May 3, 2014.
- ^ [ http://farmprogress.com/story-usda-releases-draft-environmental-impact-statement-dows-enlist-13-106875]
- ^ a b Donna Fleury (April 2014). "Enlist weed control system in Canada. A new tool for managing hard to control and resistant weeds". AG Annex. Retrieved May 3, 2014.
- ^ "EPA to Consider Comments on Registration of Enlist Duo Herbicide". Farm Futures. May 1, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2014.
- ^ a b Carey Gillam (January 28, 2013). "Dow's Controversial New GMO Corn Delayed Amid Protests". The Cornucopia Institute. Retrieved May 3, 2014.
- ^ a b c d Bill Freese. ""Agent Orange" Crops: The Next Stage in the Chemical Arms Race" (PDF). Center for Food Safety. Retrieved May 3, 2014.