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["Doreen Howard" <gardendiva@charter.net>]

From this week's NMPRO e-newsletter:

 

Glyphosate misuse can lead to split bark on woodies
Glyphosate products like Roundup may also damage woody plants. Hannah Mathers, Ohio St. Univ. Ext. nursery and landscape specialist, said glyphosate applied improperly or in too high of a dosage is causing a phenomenon known as split bark. Through the tree's uptake, the chemical deteriorates the bark structure and destroying the winter hardiness of the plant. The cosmetic damage makes the plant unsalable. Mathers is teaming with Monsanto to develop a safer glyphosate product. Mathers said that until safer glyphosate products are developed, a change in weed management practices is required to control split bark. "When glyphosate use is necessary, use a glyphosate product around woody plants that has no adjuvant load," Mathers said. "Products that have a full adjuvant load are the worst around ornamental plants because of the increased potential for uptake of the glyphosate by the surfactant into the bark."