Plant Health Care enjoying success in Brazil with 'H2Copla'

Agricultural biological products provider Plant Health Care updated the market on the launch of ‘H2Copla’ (Harpin ab) in sugarcane in Brazil on Wednesday, reporting that it has now been applied on around 20,000 hectares of sugarcane since its 'soft launch' in February.

The AIM-traded firm said the average yield increases in excess of 20% were driving strong demand, with early adopters planning to switch entirely to H2Copla for the next season.

Grower response to the results had also been “very positive”, the board said.

Sales by Plant Health Care to Coplacana were expected to reach $0.8m in 2018, which the board said pointed to “strong growth” in 2019.

“We are excited about the yield increases from this year's trials and plan to use H2Copla on all of our 20,000 hectares for the 2019 growing season,” said Gilmar Rorigues de Morais, agricultural department manager at Brazilian sugarcane producer Furlan.

Chris Richards, executive chairman and interim chief executive officer of Plant Health Care, added that grower reaction to demonstration trials of H2Copla had been “very positive”.

“Growers have already treated some 20,000 Ha of sugarcane with the product,” said Richards.

“The indication that just one customer - Furlan - plans to use H2Copla on 20,000 hectares next year, points to significant revenue growth in 2019.

“Demand for Harpin ab in Brazil is expected to reach at least $0.8m in 2018.”