September, 2005 - After 30 years, Roundup® is still the most used herbicide worldwide.

Glyphosate, Roundup's active ingredient, has various unique biological properties. Roundup is a broad-spectrum, non-selective, post-emergence, systemic herbicide with no soil action and an extremely favourable toxicological profile. Roundup is even safer than table salt, but should be used responsibly.

The non-selective nature of this herbicide initially appeared to be a drawback. Who would want to spray dead everything (including the crops)? However, as time went by, the Monsanto team realised that the systemic property of Roundup would make an enormous contribution. Weeds such as cultivar and Johnson grass, which are one-year weeds and difficult to control, could now be effectively controlled for the first time.

The active ingredient, glyphosate, is carried into the roots. At first, Roundup did not compete in the one-year weed market. The market was controlled by a non-systemic herbicide, parakwat, but with the expiration of patent rights, prices came down and Roundup became more affordable for the general public.

A worldwide action to implement preservation cultivation (pre-plant spraying), increased the demand for Roundup even further. Roundup quickly gained ground and is currently also used for the overall, broad-spectrum control in the industry and recreation fields, as well as the home and garden (driveway) markets.

The most recent application is weed control in glyphosate-tolerant crops such as Roundup Ready maize, soybeans and cotton. The addition of a single gene in a plant now allows the spraying of Roundup Ready herbicide on the crop without any detrimental effects.

Thus, what initially seemed to be a drawback has now become a tremendous advantage: One product for broad-spectrum weed control in maize, soybeans and cotton.

Roundup had already been registered in 1975 in South Africa, and is still the leader in many respects after 30 years. Not only is Roundup the market leader in sales, but also in respect of quality and innovation. A high quality product is critically important in effective weed control, especially with regard to weed that is difficult to control and unfavourable weather conditions. Continuous innovation has led to the registration of products that are even more impressive than Roundup.

Roundup Turbo is a high-load formulation that is driven by TranSorb technology. This technology ensures rain resistance within two hours, with no burning effect on the leaves' surface. This is a huge advantage for the Roundup Ready herbicide.

Remember that weed control initially leads to plant death, and that the original Roundup damaged the leaf surface (burning effect). Now, through application on glyphosate-tolerant crops, we want to ensure effective weed control. Even more important, however, is to prevent crop damage, which could lead to the hindrance of crops, as well as smaller yields. By only using Roundup Ready herbicide on Roundup Ready crops, effective weed control and maximum crop safety are ensured.

Roundup has indeed deserved its position as market leader over the past 30 years, and we enter the future with you by our side.

More than 60% of South Africa's glyphosate consumers rely on Roundup. Are you also someone that prefers quality products?

JOIN THE WINNING TEAM!

Roundup (L0407, Roundup Ready (L6702) and Roundup Turbo (L7166), Act 36 of 1947, are Group Code G herbicides and are registered trademarks of Monsanto.
Phone (011) 790-8200 for further inquiries.