Tired of yard work? Scientists find way to slow plant growth

(Washington-AP) -- Don't throw away the lawnmower just yet. But if you're a homeowner who hates having to mow the lawn week after week, science may have come up with an answer for you.<br>Scientists

Monday, December 20th 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Washington-AP) -- Don't throw away the lawnmower just yet. But if you're a homeowner who hates having to mow the lawn week after week, science may have come up with an answer for you.
Scientists have found out a way to stunt the growth of grass and other plants and keep them greener longer by tinkering with a
single gene. It could be a dream come true for suburbanites weary of the weekly mowing ritual.

The gene regulates production of a steroid hormone that causes plants to grow, much the same way similar steroids work in animals.

Scientists have now succeeded in manipulating the gene to create dwarf versions of standard plant species. That's according to research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.