Glyphosate-Modulated Biosynthesis Driving Plant Defense and Species Interactions

Abstract

<p>Glyphosate has become the best-selling herbicide used in agriculture, horticulture,<br>silviculture, and urban environments. It disrupts the shikimate metabolic<br>pathway and thereby blocks the production of aromatic amino acids, which are<br>the basis for several plant metabolites. Glyphosate residues are reported in<br>soils from diverse environments, but the effects on plant physiology and consequences<br>for species interactions are largely unknown. Here, we emphasize the<br>complexity of these physiological processes, and argue that glyphosate residues<br>modulate biosynthetic pathways, individually or interactively, which may affect<br>interactions between plants and heterotrophic organisms. In this way, glyphosate<br>residues can substantially interfere with plant resistance and the attraction<br>of beneficial insects, both of which are essential elements in integrated pest<br>management and healthy ecosystems.<br></p>