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Get with it – stop the Roundup

Editor, Index-Tribune:

 

Herbicide on the bike path – really?



Scientific studies have shown that Roundup (glyphosate) can cause damage to woody plants. Leaves become chlorotic and burnt at the margins, and new leaves are deformed. Leaves are pink tinted due to inhibition of photosynthesis.

This chemical can linger in the soil maybe even longer than a month, according to U.C. weed science author, Mark Bolda. That means grapes grown near the Roundup-treated bike path can have slow developing fruit and subpar flavor. That also means that those beautiful roses on the residential side of the bike path can have deformed buds and burnt flower petals.



So, do we really need to use herbicides in Sonoma? Home of Slow Food. Home to two great farmers markets with their beautiful selection of organic produce. Home to Sonoma Market and Whole Foods with their selection of organic foods.

Roundup is not an organic-approved weed control. Just ask the biodynamic Benziger winemakers or the organic Coturi grape growers. Have you noticed all the beautiful California poppies that have popped up in the Valley since the Valley of the Moon Garden Club began handing out thousands of “Throw and Grow” poppy seeds during the 4th of July Parade? Use Roundup: No poppies.



Does the City of Sonoma own a lawn mower? What’s the big deal to just mow down the weeds at the edge of the bike path in the spring (maybe even after the poppies bloom)?



Come on Sonoma and Mayor Brown, get with it. Take the safe and green route and give up the herbicide defoliation.



Dennis Przybycien

Sonoma