In Wisconsin, the USDA OKed commercial sales of corn and soybean seeds genetically engineered to resist an weed killer 2,4-D, which at one time prominently figured in the herbicide known as Agent Orange, from the Vietnam War era.
To date, no link has been established between 2,4-D and toxic effects of Agent Orange. It is believed by researchers that human toxicity was caused by dioxin, an inadvertent contaminant from the production of 2,4,5-T.
The seeds can now be used in tightly controlled field trials, and an environmental impact statement is in development as the chemical, whose use would increase, can “easily drift beyond the area where it is sprayed.” The herbicide is used legally by gardeners and some farmers.
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