Mycogen Corp. on Monday said that its MVP bioinsecticide hasreceived regulatory approval for commercial sale in California.

The Bacillus thuringiensis-based product, which controlscaterpillar pests that attack broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce,tomatoes, grapes and other crops, has received federalapproval and approval in every other state. The San Diegocompany (NASDAQ: MYCO) expects to capture $500,000 of theestimated $9 million market for insecticides used on Californiagrapes this year, according to spokeswoman Marie Burke.

In June 1991, MVP and M-Trak were the first bioinsecticides tobe registered by the Environmental Protection Agency. M-Trakwill be approved in California next week, Burke said, but thecompany does not expect significant sales because M-Trak isintended principally for use on potatoes, which are not widelygrown in California.

Mycogen's stock closed up 50 cents at $16.75 on Monday. -- SU

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