Posted 15 April 2005. Crop Management.

MaxCel™ Plant Growth Regulator Receives New York Registration

Valent U.S.A. Corporation.

Walnut Creek, Calif. (April 14, 2005) – New York apple growers now have access to a state-of-the-art product for use in post-bloom thinning and sizing programs. MaxCel™ Plant Growth Regulator has been registered by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

MaxCel, marketed by Valent U.S.A. Corporation, helps apples reach their full potential at packout. It is proven effective, even on difficult-to-size varieties such as Gala, Fuji and Empire. MaxCel’s specialized formulation offers superior coverage and absorption. Plus, the product reduces alternate bearing by promoting return bloom.

“We are excited about this new registration for MaxCel to help New York apple growers reach optimum value from their orchards,” said Steve Slaveck, Valent market manager. “Valent is dedicated to bringing new solutions to the apple industry and is pleased to be able to introduce MaxCel and Zeal™ Miticide to New York growers during the 2005 growing season.”

In addition to MaxCel’s direct thinning effect, the product promotes fruit growth, resulting in increased apple size. MaxCel contains a cytokinin-type plant growth regulator that promotes cell division and bud initiation in plants.

The product was introduced to growers in 2003 through an Experimental Use Program (EUP) and received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration in the spring of 2004. Slaveck said growers have seen excellent results with MaxCel and he expects New York apple growers to be equally impressed.

“Valent is always talking to growers to find out what their most current needs are,” Slaveck added. “This is why we developed MaxCel – so we could provide them with a better product. Additionally, we are always there, providing technical support to our customers.”

Other Valent products for apples and pears include Danitol® 2.4 EC Spray, DiPel® Biological Insecticide, Esteem® 35 WP Insect Growth Regulator, Orthene® Insecticide, Promalin® Plant Growth Regulator, ProVide® Plant Growth Regulator, ReTain® Plant Growth Regulator and Zeal Miticide.

Valent U.S.A. Corporation markets and sells herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, bio-insecticides, insect growth regulators, nematicides, baits and plant growth regulators for the agricultural, horticultural, turf, ornamental and professional pest control markets.

For more information about MaxCel, Valent products for specialty crops, Valent U.S.A. Corporation or our full product line, call 800-6-VALENT (682-5368) or visit the Valent Web site at www.valent.com.

Contact:

Brandy E. Craig

(901) 523-2000

e-mail: bcraig@archermalmo.com

Elsa Zisook

(925) 256-2841

e-mail: elsa.zisook@valent.com