Implications of the Use of Glyphosate-Based Herbicides in Agriculture in Argentina—Contribution of Fungi to the Development of Bioremediation Strategies

Abstract

South American agriculture focuses on extensive cereal and oilseed production destined mainly for the international market, followed by the horticultural production that takes place near urban centres. Extensive agriculture involves the use of fertilizers and pesticides for pest control. Among the latter, glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are the most commercialized. In recent years, the increasing appearance of glyphosate (GP)-resistant weeds has led to the repeated application of higher doses of these products. Residual levels of the herbicides and their metabolites have therefore been reported in the environment, as well as toxic effects in animals and humans. The natural ability of bacteria and fungi to transform organic compounds in the environment has shown great potential to bioremediate GP in the soil. Some fungal species isolated from pesticide-contaminated sites are especially promising for this purpose, thanks to their enzymatic activity and their fast growth under optimal conditions. The present article offers an overview of the situation in Argentina regarding the use of GP. It also summarizes the data available which show a growing need to develop GP bioremediation strategies in the soil, based on the isolation of GP-degrading microorganisms adapted to water shortage conditions, such as fungi.