Plant Impact Regulatory News (PIM)

9 Mar 2009 07:00



Plant Impact plc

("Plant Impact" or "the Company")

Plant Impact Announces Field Trial Results of its CaT Technology

Plant Impact plc (AIM:PIM), a developer of technologies that improve crop productivity, is pleased to announce results of its most recent field trials using Inca (CaT technology). The Company currently has approximately 200 field trials in 32 countries, the objectives of which are to prove efficacy and commercial validity to distributors and growers. 

The efficacy data shows that the crop has a longer shelf life with an increased yield when CaT technology is used. Plant Impact's technology has furthermore demonstrated that the crop is susceptible to less physiological diseases. 

CaT technology is a calcium absorption aid. In trials it has been found to deliver calcium to the plant up to 50 times more effectively than traditional calcium products and with fewer applications and less input. 

CaT alleviates the problems encountered by growing crops under environmental stress (drought, heat, cold) and physiological diseases in the ongoing development of the fruit that are often due to calcium deficiencies. This technology enables calcium uptake and retention in the tissues of the plant, that would not naturally absorb calcium under normal growing conditions.

The Company has recently produced results that demonstrate the efficacy of its technology in trials with lettuces, strawberries, apples and pears. The trials were carried out in the Netherlands by independent research companies and in the USA by Miller Chemical. The improvement in yield and disease control has been material across the range of trials conducted, in particular, a 15% yield increase in lettuce, a 1.8 metric tonnes per hectare increase in strawberries, a 60% decrease in bitter pit on apples and a 75% reduction in alfalfa greening disorder on pears were recorded.

Pete Blezard, CEO of Plant Impact commented, "CaT technology strengthens cell walls, combats stress and promotes healthy cell division, as well as improving the growth of fruit and flowers in areas of environmental stress. This means less waste, more produce for the grower to sell and a better quality of food reaching the consumer due to less chemical additives being used. We are delighted with the trial results and continue to believe we will produce excellent results in the future." 

For further information, please contact:

Peter Blezard +44 (0) 1772 733 744

Chief Executive Officer

Plant Impact Plc

Emily Morgan/Nick Harriss +44 (0) 207 489 4500

Blomfield Corporate Finance Ltd (Nomad)

Nicholas Malins-Smith/James Wood +44 (0) 207 382 4451

Religare Hichens, Harrison plc (Broker)

Anna Dunphy / Tristan Jervis +44 (0) 207 861 3838

Financial PR/IR

De Facto Communications

Notes to Editors

About Plant Impact plc

Plant Impact addresses the increasing global demand for effective, sustainable and ecologically-sound products to combat environmental plant stress and improve crop productivity. Common environmental plant stresses include drought, salinity, nutrient deficiencies, pests and disease. Plant Impact's advances produce practical results that reduce inputs and benefit the whole of the agricultural value chain, providing solutions for growers, food manufacturers and consumers.

A broad product portfolio has been developed using these innovative and proprietary technologies, the most advanced of which are already being marketed and sold through established agricultural distribution networks. Products for the home and garden market are also distributed direct to consumers through reputable high street stores.

Current Plant Impact technologies include:

Alethea® - resistance to climate, water and salt stress 

CaT - higher yield, improved shelf life, reduction of physiological disorders 

Speedo™ - accelerated plant growth 

PiNT™ - higher yielding stronger plants 

BugOil® - benign pest control

For further information please visit www.plantimpact.com