Sir, - While I welcome your correspondent Brian White's comments (May 22nd) about the safety of Roundup herbicide, he is mistaken on a couple of points.
Firstly, Roundup herbicide is not a plant hormone. The active ingredient, N-phosphonomethyglycine (glyphosate), was first synthesised early this century. Its herbicidal properties were discovered and subsequently patented in the 1970s by Monsanto.
Secondly, regarding the development of desirable traits in plants through biotechnology: this can take up to 10 years of costly research and development. Recognition of intellectual property right as a consequence of this development is through the granting of patents. If the competent authorities saw no intellectual property right existed then no patent would be granted. - Yours, etc.,
Business Manager,
Monsanto Ireland Ltd,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.