If you take a close look at the label of Roundup products, you won’t necessarily find glyphosate. Roundup Weedkiller concentrate, available in the local hardware contains Fluazifop, which is a specific herbicide for grass, Nonanoic Acid (a fast knockdown) and Fluroxypyr (for broadleaf weeds). Roundup for Lawns also on the hardware shelf contains MCPA, dicamba, quinclorac, and sulfentrazone. These herbicides kill broadleaf weeds including sedges but not lawn grasses. Care needs to be taken with their use especially near trees in lawns or nearby garden beds.
Glyphosate is available in some Roundup products and under other brand names. The active ingredient, glyphosate, is not banned in Australia but has been phased out by councils in many parts of Australia.
See this article (from a US online publication) that explains the issue of what is in various Roundup products in more detail (but note there are differences between products in the US and Australia). In particular, note the conclusion:
“All of the consumer Roundupproducts contain unique active ingredients tailored to specific weed control needs. There can be understandable confusion around these products due to the historical uses of glyphosate. The Green Industry needs to be aware of the confusion around these products to better inform their clients. Understanding the active ingredients and mechanisms of action of these herbicides is crucial for their effective and safe use in various settings.”
The Roundup brand has been owned by Bayer since 2018 when it acquired Monsanto.
Take home message
- Take care with any herbicide product and carefully check the active ingredient.
- When giving garden advice, avoid referring to Roundup when meaning glyphosate.
- Advise gardeners to also check the label for the active ingredient in each product and to follow the correct usage of any herbicide.
