Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide commonly used to control weeds in agriculture. It works by inhibiting a specific enzyme pathway found in plants and some microorganisms, which is essential for their growth. This makes it effective for farmers who want to protect their crops from unwanted vegetation. First introduced in the 1970s, glyphosate is the active ingredient in many herbicides, including those produced by Monsanto. It is often used in conjunction with genetically modified crops that are resistant to glyphosate, allowing farmers to apply the herbicide without harming their crops.