Science in Practice Portal

A significant portion of the report is related to the pollution and toxic hazards of herbicides used to spray mesquite. Toxic effects on humans, other mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and insects are presented. Although not much information is available on the effects of herbicides (used in spraying mesquite) on the food chain, information that is available is included. A section of this report is also devoted to the mobility of degradation rates of herbicides used to spray mesquite.

The report is concluded by discussing the effectiveness and economic feasibility of alternative methods of mesquite control. However, very little information is available in the literature on economic feasibility of alternative methods.