PHC.L Regulatory News (PHC)

27 Jul 2007 07:01

Plant Health Care PLC27 July 2007 Embargoed until 7AM, 27 July 2007 Plant Health Care plc ("Plant Health Care" or "the Company") ASA and Plant Health Care Trials Show Early Season Benefits of Seed Treatment The American Soybean Association (ASA) and Plant Health Care, Inc. (PHC) arepleased to announce preliminary findings from the "N-Hibit(TM)Partnership" FieldTrial Program. Growers on 140 farms in 22 states are participating in theprogram to evaluate N-Hibit as a tool to lower Soybean Cyst Nematode pressureand improve plant health. "With an ever-growing global demand for soybeans, and the reduced number ofsoybean acres planted in the U.S. this year, we have to find ways to grow moresoybeans on every acre planted," said ASA Vice President Rob Joslin, a soybeanproducer from Sidney, Ohio. "Improving plant health can help us grow moresoybeans and improve our competitiveness in world markets." Early results from 34 of the trial sites indicate the N-Hibit treated seed isproducing greater root and plant weight, and more nodes per acre in 85 percentof the comparisons. "Plant weights, including root weights, were 11 to 12 percent greater withN-Hibit-treated soybeans, implying that these plants have achieved better earlyseason growth," said Dr. Ned French, PHC Director of Field Biology andDevelopment. "N-Hibit treated soybeans are averaging 14 percent more nodes peracre, which suggests improved plant establishment (plants/acre) and early seasongrowth (nodes/plant). More nodes per acre can be indicative of a higherpotential yield." Participating growers were provided a kit that included a coupon redeemable atlocal seed retailers to obtain enough N-Hibit Commercial Seed Treatment to treatup to 2,500 pounds of soybean seed. Growers were asked to use 20 to 50 acres forthe treated area and monitor an equivalent number of acres as an untreatedcontrol. "Data from the remaining sites is being gathered and processed," Joslin said."Final results of the trials will be announced after harvest." The active ingredient in N-Hibit and other Harp-N-Tek(TM)products is harpin,which is derived from naturally occurring proteins. Harpin proteins bind withthe plant's external receptors present on the seed, as well as foliage.Harp-N-Tek products cause the plant to respond as though being attacked, andthis process "switches" on the plant's natural self-defense and growth systemsresulting in pathogen tolerance and increased yields. Harpin proteins have anexcellent safety profile, are easy to use, and are not restricted use materials;consequently, many worker safety issues commonly associated with the handling ofconventional pesticides are avoided with harpins. For more information about the preliminary results of the ASA-PHC summer trials,go to www.SoyGrowers.com/programs/phc.htm. - ends - For further information please contact: Plant Heath Care plc John Brady, Chief Executive Tel: 001 603 525 3702 Tavistock CommunicationsJeremy Carey / Simon ComptonTel: 020 7920 3150 Evolution Securities LimitedTim Worlledge / Tim RedfernTel: 020 7071 4312 Rob Joslin, ASA Vice President, 937-726-0842, robjoslin@woh.rr.comNed French, PHC Director of Field Research & Biology, 501-821-7094,nfrench@planthealthcare.comBob Callanan, ASA Communications Director, 314-576-1770, bcallanan@soy.orgAccess this release at www.SoyGrowers.com/newsroom/news.htm. Notes to Editors: About Plant Health Care:Plant Health Care plc ("PHC") is a leading provider of natural products forplants and soil. Established in 1995 in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) in the UnitedStates, PHC currently has approximately 70 employees and has operations in theUS, Mexico, UK, Spain, and the Netherlands. The Company listed on the AIM marketof the London Stock Exchange in July 2004. Ticker symbol is PHC. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange