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Rodeo:
Questions & Answers
Rodeo, an aquatic herbicide that is used to control unwanted
plants growing in and around water, will be applied directly
to the Phragmites plants in
some of the project areas. Rodeo is made by Monsanto.
How does Rodeo work?
The herbicide will is applied directly to the foliage of the
targeted aquatic plant. To work, Rodeo must come into direct
contact with the exposed leaves. The chemical ingredients
rapidly move through the plant tissues and into the roots,
and effectively stop the plant from growing. Rodeo targets
a protein found only in plants. Once inside the plant, the
active ingredient (glyphosate) interrupts the plant's ability
to produce this protein. In a week or so the treated plants
will yellow, turn brown, and eventually die.
Will Rodeo harm people, pets, or wildlife in the
treated area?
Used in the prescribed manner, Rodeo is nontoxic to humans,
pets, and wildlife. There are no restrictions on the use of
water in areas that have been treated with Rodeo herbicide.
Does the herbicide harm plants not directly sprayed?
Rodeo must come into direct contact with the exposed leaves
and will affect only the aquatic plants that have been directly
sprayed.
Does Rodeo herbicide affect soil or water quality?
Rodeo is "foliar active" - it only affects plants
- so it has no activity in the surrounding soil or water.
It is also biodegradable. Rodeo will be absorbed onto soil
particles in water or sediment in the area. Microorganisms
in both the water and sediment rapidly break the chemicals
in Rodeo into naturally occurring compounds.
Who has cleared Rodeo herbicide for use on aquatic
sites?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given its approval
for the use of Rodeo herbicide on all types of aquatic sites,
including estuaries. Rodeo must be applied by a licensed professional.
The Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, US Fish
& Wildlife Service, Friends of Scarborough Marsh, and
the Scarborough Conservation Commission have recommended its
use for the control of Phragmites on selected sites within
the Scarborough Marsh watershed.
Where can I find out more?
For more information about the Cascade Brook Restoration Project
and the use of Rodeo herbicide on the Phragmites found in
that area, contact Phil Bozenhard, Regional Wildlife Manager,
Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (207) 657-2345
or Sandra Lary, Conservation Biologist, US Fish & Wildlife
Service (207) 781-8364.
