Scotts to pay $500,000 fine over biotech bentgrass

By Christopher Doering

WASHINGTON, Nov 26 (Reuters) - The Scotts Co. (SMG.N: Quote, Profile, Research) will pay a $500,000 fine over allegations that it failed to comply with U.S. rules for field-testing a genetically engineered variety of grass used on lawns, athletic fields and golf courses, the U.S. Agriculture Department said on Monday.

The settlement involves field tests in Oregon and 20 other states of creeping bentgrass modified to resist weed killers such as Monsanto's (MON.N: Quote, Profile, Research) Roundup. A golf course, for example, could be sprayed, killing weeds without hurting the grass.