Herbicides in Peace and War.

The article presents information on the production of phenoxy herbicides in the U.S. In the period from 1950 to 1970, herbicide production increased from 20.25 million kilograms per year to 180 million kilograms. The herbicide industry was given a tremendous boost by World War II. E. J. Kraus, head of the Botany Department at the University of Chicago, suggested plant-killing potential of plant growth regulators in 1941. In February 1971, the 2,4,5-T Advisory Committee headed by J. G. Wilson was formed to hear testimony of 2,4,5-T chemical. On 7 May 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed the report of the 2,4,5-T Advisory Committee regarding use of 2,4,5-T chemical in agriculture.