Note: A more recent post is available that discusses the milkweed varieties (tropical vs native) in the comments section
An article on page three of today’s Los Angeles Times talked about declining monarch butterfly numbers in Mexico where it winters. But here is an important takeaway that was buried a bit in the article: the use of genetically modified crops (GMOs) in the midwest where the monarch breeds contains Roundup (glyphosphate) that is killing the monarch’s vial food source — the milkweed plant . Many monarchs don’t even get a chance to begin their flights southward.
For nature lovers, this is another reason to go organic. Organic foods contain no genetically modified GMO ingredients.
I won’t go into a lot of details since I’ve written previous posts on herbicide problems, including “Go Organic to Help the Bees” and also nature’s view of GMOs last fall about California’s proposition to label GMOs.
But here are some of the most important facts:
The Problems
- Because more than three-fourths of genetically modified crops are engineered to tolerate applications of herbicides, the use of glyphosphate, commonly known as Roundup, has increased.
- The latest government statistics show that the agricultural use of Roundup has increased eightfold from 1992 to 207. (11,000 tons in 1992 to more than 88,000 tons in 2007). See Who Benefits from GM Crops? The Rise in Pesticide Use
- Monsanto, one of the primary developers of GMO seeds, manufacturers Roundup.
- A U.S. Geological Survey showed significant levels of Roundup in air and water samples in Mississippi and Iowa. Human effects are unclear at this time.
- Monarch decline and milkweed: A University of Minnesota study documented a large decline of monarch eggs and milkweed that the butterfly requires for laying its eggs. They tied the decline to the increasing use of GMO crops and increasing Roundup use.
The Solutions
1) Eat organic
I can attest that it’s not always easy to pick the organic package with the higher price tag, but knowing the products are pesticide and herbicide free is well worth it.
2) Plant milkweed for the monarchs
This is especially important for people in the Midwest agricultural belt where GMO crops are so prevalent. Here at our California home, I have a half-dozen plants. See prior blog on attracting butterflies (focus on monarchs). The monarchs haven’t found them yet but I don’t mind waiting because each caterpillar eats two to three dozen leaves before entering the next chrysalis stage.
Many say milkweed native to your area is best, but you may have more trouble finding a nursery that stocks it. Other types of milkweed are available but if you buy a non-native one, make sure a systemic pesticide hasn’t been used.
Thank you.
I feel so blessed when I spy a monarch, knowing the privilege diminishes with each passing year.
Thank you for the tips. I found the hard way about the pesticides and effects on monarch caterpillars. Over the weekend I found that I had too many caterpillars for little milkweed and went out and bought some at Home Depot. By the next day there was one dead caterpillar and the others were throwing up green liquid and squirming. It was sooooo sad! I am returning the milkweeds today! And buying more organic milkweed seeds! I still feel sick to my stomach of the thought that the pesticides used in the plants from HD caused the caterpillars! Shame on anybody who does! We don’t in my yard and I see happy bees and butterflies. Anyway… please spread the word about the pesticides! Thank you!
Christine, I am so sorry to hear your experience. I would call their corporate office & let them know. The more complaints and examples they have the more they’re likely to change. Also let other local nurseries know that they need to check…
Dear Linda,
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with all your followers. I hear this story often I am sorry to say. I have four places where I like to buy milkweed. Roger’s Garden, Corona del Mar. 949 721-2100. Upland Nursery, Orange. 714 538-4500. Village Nurseries, Orange. 714 998-8751. Brita’s Old Town Gardens, Seal Beach. 562 430-5019. These have worked for me in a pinch when I have run out of food. I am a monarch waystation in Fullerton Calif. number 5375. In 2012 we released over 500 monarchs. We tag for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I like to save my seeds and start my own plants. Even doing this I sometimes run out of food and have to buy plants. One monarch caterpillar will eat between 28-38 leaves. They will also eat flowers, seed pods. and if nothing else is left they will eat all branches to the ground. They are eating machines. I have a face book page for anyone to join who loves butterflies. I try my best to give good and helpful information. Happy Butterfly Gardening!!! Thank’s for inviting a Monarch to Lunch!
Sincerely,
Monika Moore
Thank you for the info. I love to go on an adventure to Rogers Garden and Seal Beach. Now I be on a quest for milkweed.
Note, I’m posting an update about questions you can ask nurseries in light of pollinators being killed by pesticide sprayed plants.
Good morning.
Where can I buy organic milkweed plants? I can find organic milkweek seeds; however I read
if you plant seeds it takes about 3 years to get blooms.
Sincerely,
Sally
Good q – one is the Luca Micaela nursery, which is affiliated with Butterfly farms in Vista, CA – they grow at least 7 types of organic milkweed, both native and tropical – http://landmnursery.com/about-us
I’ve also gotten it from Las Pilitas (all native Western varieties) in Escondido. and Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden but best to call ahead to make sure they have it – RSABG’s email is [email protected].
Hi Linda!
I live in Naples, Florida and am trying to help the monarchs. However, the only milkweed I can find is the Tropical one that seems too often to have been treated with insecticide. I’ve lost so many cats and my butterflies often have the ‘crippled wings’. Can you find me somewhere to buy native organic milkweed in my area? I would surely appreciate your help. I love the monarchs!!
Hello, so sorry to hear that. Have you checked in with your local chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society? They should be able to direct you to sellers of native milkweed – here is their email – [email protected]
and their website – [email protected]
Let me know if you don’t hear back – I know some other people in Florida that I could check with. Good luck!
Hi Judy – here is a reply about pesticide-free milkweed from Larry Lesko who is a master gardener in Florida’s Tallahasee area.
My advice is to “Find the Others”. There are no doubt many people in the Naples area that are doing Monarch restoration. The FNPS is definitely the first place to start. Also try calling the the Collier County Extension Office.
The commercial nurseries are not up to speed with native milkweed yet but you may have a nursery or two that specializes in native plants, check there and ask for their advice. There is one nursery here in Tallahassee that sells some native milkweed but they sell out fast. Fortunately, there are many milkweed evangelists who grow their own. I go to various lectures and workshops about Monarchs and milkweeds and I often come home with a free plant. Our Master Gardener group is having a plant sale in a couple weeks and native milkweed are a highlight but sell out quickly. Other gardening groups in this area also have plant sales and often with native milkweed.
There is a fantastic botanical garden in Naples, they may have info as well as Big Cypress. You can even buy milkweed online but make sure the plants are native to your area. You can buy seed and grow your own but it is a little tricky. All in all, you will have most success, learn more and have fun if you find others who also have a passion for Monarchs.