PHC.L Regulatory News (PHC)

15 Jan 2007 10:42

Plant Health Care PLC15 January 2007 For immediate release 15 January 2007 Plant Health Care plc ("PHC" or "the Group") Myconate produces impressive yield gains in corn and soybeans in 2006 Plant Health Care (AIM: PHC.L), a leading provider of natural products forplants and soil, is pleased to report the success of its Myconate testprogrammes for corn and soybeans in 2006. Building upon the impressive resultsin these crops from prior years, the results of this year's trials furthervalidate the effectiveness of Myconate in increasing yields in these two keycrops. During 2006 Myconate was evaluated in a large number of corn trials in the USAand France as well as in many soybean trials in the USA. These trials weredistributed across the appropriate growing areas for the crops in the differentcountries, to provide a range of soil, climate and cultural conditions, as wellas across a range of crop varieties. These extensive trials are summarisedbelow. Corn in the USA:---------------- PHC and independent evaluators carried out 27 separate Myconate trials spreadacross the Midwest, from Iowa east to Ohio and Minnesota and south to Illinois.Despite very high yields in the control plots (194 bu/acre against a normalaverage of 155 bu), in 23 of the trials (85%) there was an increase in yield.The average yield increase over all trials was 6 bu/ac (3%) with greaterincreases occurring most often in more normal yielding fields. Corn in France:--------------- 12 trials throughout France demonstrated increases with Myconate in both grainweight and number. In a record year at Masset (12t/ha), yield component analysisdemonstrated a 9.5% increase in grains per cob and a 5.8% increase in grainweight. When adjusted for plant populations this accounted for a 15% increase inyield. Yield component analysis of a trial in the south-east showed a 10.2%increase in grains per ear. Soybeans in the USA:-------------------- PHC and independent evaluators carried out 33 separate soybean trials across theMidwest. In 23 of the trials (70%) there was an increase in yield even thoughthe average trial yield for the untreated plots was high at 55 bu/acre. Theaverage yield increase over all trials was 6%. Our trials continue to generate interest in Myconate in its target markets priorto commercial rollout. Attention is now being directed to other crops; forexample Myconate trials with winter wheat have already been established in twoMidwest states in the USA. The Company will shortly be providing a post year end trading update and will,at that time, also provide a further update on the process of evaluatingpotential partners for the rollout of Myconate. John Brady, CEO of Plant Health Care commented on the results, "The 2006 trialsresults further validate efficacy of Myconate, and demonstrate the ability toreplicate positive results in a consistent manner. We will now begin to expandour testing parameters to include other major crops such as wheat and the smallcereal grains. We have had strong interest from a number of potential partnersand remain confident of securing a major partner for this important product." PHC's novel Myconate technology helps crops to develop larger root mass, throughthe stimulation of mycorrhizal fungi, Myconate works by triggering thecolonisation of beneficial micro-organisms called mycorrhizal fungi. With moremycorrhizal fungi at work, each plant can draw more nutrients and moisture outof the soil. More nutrients make for healthier plants, and significantlygreater overall yields. The Board believes Myconate could be the key tochanging the face of farming. The safety and ease of application of Myconatemeans that management practices need not be over-hauled. The procedure is astraightforward blending process, either tank mixing the Myconate with thefertilizer during planting, or applying the Myconate to the seed beforeplanting. -ends- For further information: Plant Health Care plcJohn Brady, CEO Tel: 001 603 525 3702 Tavistock Communications Tel: 020 7920 3150Jeremy Carey/Simon Compton This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange