Asgrow now intends to commercialize the squash, which has been engineered to resist plant viruses which may infect the crop. The agency appears incapable of adequately regulating genetically engineered commercial products. The engineered squash will transfer its virus resistant genes to wild squash via pollination.
Wild squash is native to the southern U.S. and is considered an agricultural weed.
USDA's decision means that the public can have little faith that genetically engineered crops will be developed for commercial markets in a environmentally responsible manner. The Environmental Defense Fund, a leading, national, NYbased nonprofit organization, represents 250,000 members. EDF links science, economics, and law to create innovative, economically viable solutions to today's environmental problems.