GENT-ZWIJNAARDE, BELGIUM--(Marketwire - May 19, 2010) - Devgen US Inc. today announced the launch of the Enclosure® nematicide in the U.S. for use in commercial peanut production.
The U.S. annually produces around 1.8 million tons of peanuts on 1.2 million acres (500,000 hectares). This makes the U.S. the third largest producer of peanuts in the world and one of the world’s leading peanut exporters, with an average annual export between 200,000 to 250,000 tons.
Devgen’s initial target markets for Enclosure® are Georgia, Alabama and Florida, which account for approximately 57% of all peanuts grown in the U.S.
Root-knot nematodes and soil-borne diseases[1] cost peanut growers millions of dollars in yield losses. The dual activity of Enclosure® allows farmers to manage several pathogens that reduce quality and yield. Enclosure® suppresses the most serious root-knot nematode pest, Meloidogyne arenaria, as well as other nematode species. Enclosure® also suppresses Sclerotinia blight (Sclerotinia minor) and peg & pod rot (Rhizoctonia solani).
Devgen is pleased to provide the peanut grower with a new solution to suppress nematodes, as well as soil-borne diseases, in an environment where the choice of products is becoming increasingly limited. Enclosure® also offers advantages from a toxicological, environmental, residue and worker exposure point of view.
The product will be distributed by Helena Chemical Company, a leading supplier of crop protection products and services in the U.S.
About Devgen Company
DEVGEN US Inc. is a subsidiary of Devgen nv (Euronext Brussels: DEVG), a global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products. To learn more about our business and our commitments, please visit: www.devgen.com.
Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information:
Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements, such as statements concerning the company’s future product performance, regulatory approvals, business and financial plans and other non-historical facts. These statements are based on current expectations and currently available information. However, since these statements are based on factors that involve risks and uncertainties, the company’s actual performance and results may differ materially from those described or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, among others: the success of the company’s research and development activities; agricultural risks and difficulties, including weather factors, diseases and pests; ; the costs and requirements of regulatory compliance and the speed with which approvals are received; public acceptance of biotechnology products; political, economic and social developments in countries where Devgen operates and other risks and factors detailed in the company’s most recent periodic public reports. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of the date of this release. The company disclaims any current intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements or any of the factors that may affect actual results.
[1] The diseases that are caused by fungal pathogens which persist (survive) in the soil matrix and in residues on the soil surface are defined as soil-borne diseases.”
For more information please contact:
Thierry Bogaert, CEO
Thierry.Bogaert@devgen.com
