'Frankengrass' creates multi-coloured lawns 

Anova 20aug00

The traditional green colour of the lawn could become a thing of the past as scientists develop lawns in different colours and even lawns that light up at night.

The new grasses will also kill pests by producing a designer toxin that uses a gene taken from a poisonous fungus.

The new range of genetically-modified lawns have been called "Frankengrass" by environmentalists who are warning the grass could cross-breed with other species.

But garden products company Scotts believe their work will revolutionise gardens, golf courses and golf pitches.

Chief executive Charles Berger said: "In the next five years lawns will need less fertiliser, water and mowing - and pest insects won't come near."

The company is already researching the grasses after buying the gardening arm of GM crop producer Monsanto, The Sunday Times reports.

Around 40 test sites in the US have been vandalised by an anarchist organisation.

If you could change the colour of something, what would it be and why?

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