ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the points of view and probable courses of action of the seed companies. Research-based seed companies have now become involved with weed control by means of chemicals. They have the power to broaden the use of herbicides, to extend the sales lifetime of some, or to shorten the life of others. The profits of research-based seed companies depend on their success in developing, producing, and selling superior new cultivars. Seed companies continually test the market for potential demand for new products in their sphere of interest. When market research indicates potential demand for new products, the companies attempt to add them to their product line. Environmental organizations and certain other public interest groups believe the seed companies' new powers do not bode well for a healthy environment because they enlarge the scope for use of herbicides. Seed company researchers are fully occupied in breeding new cultivars.
