Environmental Concerns with the Development of Herbicide-Tolerant Plants

Abstract

Development of herbicide-tolerant plants is the focus of considerable research. Some projects aim to increase herbicide use or promote use of particularly environmentally damaging chemicals, and thus may lead to environmental degradation. Other projects aim to develop herbicide-tolerant plants that allow substitution of newer less environmentally damaging chemicals for older more damaging ones. To the extent they divert research dollars from development of other weed control strategies, these projects may also jeopardize environmentally sound weed control. The paper concludes with policy recommendations concerning a) public sector research priorities, b) planting of herbicide-tolerant trees in forests, and c) regulation of herbicide-tolerant crops.