In response to the My Turn column “Japanese knotweed is the problem, not the solution,” [Recorder, Sept. 4], I agree. Japanese knotweed is the problem as it is choking out our native species, but saying that glyphosate is the solution is troubling.

The author states, “Why let fear, misinformation and politicization guide us, rather than science?” I am not so sure about the science she speaks of.

Chemical companies like Monsanto/Bayer contribute millions of dollars sponsoring this research to get the answers that favor their products’ safety. Monsanto/Bayer is the very company that has paid billions of dollars in lawsuits to farmers who now have cancer from this so-called safe chemical.

There is no mention of pollinators in this column. Let’s not be so anthropocentric. Let’s think about the pollinators who are dying from glyphosate — the bees, butterflies, insects and birds. Not to mention the damage it does to our streams and rivers and every living creature in them.

It is a really difficult task to manage the knotweed and other invasives like bittersweet. I have been cutting and hand-pulling both of these invasives down on my property for years. It is a daunting task to say the least, for which there is no easy answer.

Lucy Fagella

Greenfield