Crop Genetics International Corp. today announced results ofinitial field tests of its X-tend bioherbicide system to controlweeds. The system combines reduced rates of chemicalherbicide applications with natural bacteria.

The exact mode of action of the system isn't understood, saidJoseph Kelly, chief executive officer of the Hanover, Md.,company. Using lower levels of herbicides stresses weeds, butdoesn't kill them. Kelly hypothesized that the bacteria thenopportunistically attack the weeds, much as weakenedpatients in hospitals get opportunistic infections.

In small-scale trials at 21 sites across the United States, thesystem achieved mixed results. Rates of weed control variedfrom 100 percent to a very small percentage, depending on thelocation and time of year, said Kelly.

Kelly declined to identify the herbicides or bacteria used. Bothselective and non-selective post-emergence herbicides wereused in the trials.

The company will test various combinations of herbicides andbacteria in its greenhouses this winter and advance the bestones to field trials next summer.

Crop Genetics stock (NASDAQ:CROP) closed unchanged at $5 onTuesday. -- KB

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