Biologists isolate novel genes from cauliflower to improve crop nutritional value. A study committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine looking at gene-altered crops notes a genetically engineered characteristic that alters the nutritional content of a crop is “unlikely to have the same environmental or economic effects as a characteristic for herbicide resistance.” (Peggy Greb photo courtesy ARS/USDA)

U.S. study finds no risks to people, planet in GMOs

It’s time for the task of regulating new crop varieties to focus on plants’ characteristics rather than on how the plants were developed, a team of U.S. scientists recommends in a new report. A study committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on Tuesday released an “extensive” study of genetically engineered crops, finding […] Read more




(Dave Bedard photo)

U.S. lawmakers put pressure on EPA over glyphosate review

Chicago | Reuters — U.S. lawmakers have asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to explain why it published — and then withdrew — documents related to its review of glyphosate, the chemical in Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, according to a letter seen by Reuters. The documents, which included a report that said glyphosate is not likely […] Read more



Set your soybeans up for success

Set your soybeans up for success

Many factors come in to play in getting your soybean crop off to a good start. Field selection, fertility, varietal selection and planting populations are some of the key elements to be considered during the planning phase. As the planning phase ends and you move to in-season practices, your early season weed control will be […] Read more


Weed control in a dry summer

Weed control in a dry summer

Dry summer weather could mean a whole new slate of weed control challenges

When it comes to weed control, no two seasons are the same. This year, many forecasters are predicting a hot, dry summer. What challenges will this bring? For one thing, some weeds that thrive better under hot, dry conditions, says weed expert, Robert Blackshaw with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, Alberta. “Some weeds that […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Scientists take sides: Who’s right about glyphosate?

London | Reuters — The latest dispute to blow up around the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concerns glyphosate, an ingredient in one of the world’s most widely-used herbicides, Roundup, made by Monsanto. In March 2015, an IARC monograph concluded that glyphosate is “probably carcinogenic.” Yet seven months later the European Food Safety […] Read more


(Dave Bedard photo)

European Parliament backs glyphosate, with conditions

Brussels | Reuters — European politicians advised on Wednesday that the herbicide glyphosate should only be approved for another seven years, rather than the 15 proposed by the EU executive, and should not be used by the general public. Environmental campaigners have demanded a ban on glyphosate, which is used in products such as Monsanto’s […] Read more

(Dave Bedard photo)

Germany backs EU plan to approve glyphosate

Berlin | Reuters –– Germany plans to back an European Union proposal that would allow the continued use of glyphosate in herbicides, according to a letter from the agriculture ministry. Glyphosate is used in many herbicides including Monsanto’s Roundup, but has provoked a dispute between EU and U.N. agencies over whether it might cause cancers. […] Read more