PHC.L Regulatory News (PHC)

28 Apr 2008 08:09

Plant Health Care PLC28 April 2008 For immediate release 28 APRIL 2008 PLANT HEATH CARE PLC ("Plant Heath Care" or "the Company") Plant Health Care, Inc. initiates large scale grower tests for a ProActTM + Glyphosate product Plant Heath Care, (AIM: PHC.L), a leading provider of natural products forplants and soil, has initiated a large scale field trial program for corn,soybeans, and cotton to further evaluate the already established benefits ofusing ProActTM in combination with glyphosate, the world's most commonly usedherbicide, when applied over-the-top of glyphosate resistant crops. Five yearsof independent testing have demonstrated significant yield increases in cottonand corn when treated with a combination of ProAct and glyphosate. ProAct is afoliar spray product for reducing nematode populations and improving overallplant health. ProAct, which is the only foliar spray product labeled for useagainst nematodes in corn and soybeans, contains Harpin, a second generationharpin protein formulated as a wettable dry granule. PHC Director of Field Biology Ned French says, "ProAct increases yields. Thecomprehensive data from multi-year ProAct research shows average increases of2.5 bushels/acre in soybeans, 7 bushels/acre in corn, and 68 pounds of cottonlint/acre. These yield increases translate into economic returns of $28, $35,and $50/acre, respectively. The ProAct + Glyphosate Program will help bothgroups learn more about the benefits in real-world farming conditions." All participants will be asked to join a series of post-harvest teleconferencesto discuss how the ProAct + glyphosate tank-mix performed on their farms. PHCwill use the information gleaned from the teleconferences as the basis forbetter understanding farmer needs and perceptions as they relate to the use ofProAct + glyphosate. PHC, started in 1995, was originally focused on horticulture, turf, vegetablesand high value crops. The company started targeting field crops -corn, soybeans,and cotton - in 2007 based on its acquisition of harpin protein technologyproducts such as ProAct. ProAct contains the most recently developed andeffective generation of harpin proteins. Plant Health Care, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is a wholly ownedsubsidiary of Plant Health Care plc (AIM:PHC), a leading provider of naturalproducts for plants and soil. PHC has operations in the United States, Mexico,the United Kingdom, Spain, and the Netherlands. PHC products are used in theagriculture, landscape, horticulture and land reclamation industries and areenvironmentally beneficial. Through the commercialization of these products, PHCis capitalizing on current long-term trends toward natural systems andbiological products for plant care and soil and water management. For moreinformation and complete details pertaining to the ProAct SatisfactionGuarantee, go to www.planthealthcare.com. -ends- For further information: Plant Heath Care plc John Brady, Chief Executive Tel: 001 603 525 3702 Evolution Securities Limited Tim Worlledge/ Tim Redfern Tel: 020 7071 4300 Tavistock Communications Jeremy Carey/Matt Ridsdale Tel: 020 7920 3150 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange