The State - News from Dec. 15, 1987

Scientists testing a genetically altered bacteria designed to protect plants from freezing sprayed a strawberry patch Monday in the nation’s second experimental outdoor test of the product. The Bay Area-based Advanced Genetic Sciences Inc. conducted the open-air testing in a farming community 30 miles east of Oakland without incident, a spokesman said. Environmental-oriented protesters have opposed outdoor tests in the past but there were no incidents during the latest spray tests, authorities said. Scientists wearing masks and dressed in coveralls walked through the patch, spraying the laboratory-produced microbe called Frostban to determine how growers can eventually use the product to protect fruits and other crops from icy weather.