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carry the bacteria back to earth, INA" bacteria. Including the modified INA" 
bacteria will be at a competitive disadvantage In the atmosphere. 
5.3.8 Scientific and Agricultural Benefits 
If the experiment Is successful, It may lead to a cost-effective, 
energy-saving method of preventing frost damage to plants. Plant frost Injury 
at temperatures above -5° C (23° F) In the United States varies from year to 
year, but estimates of average annual losses range from one to three billion 
dollars. Worldwide agricultural losses due to frost Injury are much higher. 
In addition to direct losses due to frost Injury, hundreds of millions of 
dollars are spent yearly In attempts to reduce frost injury. Methods such as 
the use of wind machines to mix warm air aloft with cold air near the ground, 
burning of fossil fuels to directly heat the air near crop plants, and pumping 
large amounts of water to reduce the latent heat of fusion on or near plants 
are not especially effective, are costly, and potentially can reduce 
environmental quality. (0) 
Replacement of these methods with a more effective, less costly method of 
frost prevention would significantly lessen agricultural losses to frost 
damage, result In lower food prices and ensure greater food supplies for the 
world's Increasing population. The success or failure of the field test cannot 
be predicted In advance with certainty. However, prior experiments In the 
laboratory and field tests with INA" mutants achieved through chemical means, 
Indicate a good chance of success. Whether or not the proposed field test Is 
successful, It will add to knowledge of the Interaction of INA* and INA" 
bacteria and plants. This may contribute ultimately to a solution to the frost 
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