AgriPro Seeds, Inc., American Cyanamid Company and United Grain Growers Limited (UGG), today announced they have signed a research and development agreement that could put imidazolinone tolerant wheat in farmers' hands as soon as 2001.

Since herbicide tolerant crops hit the marketplace in 1992, thousands of growers have taken
advantage of the benefits of this new technology -- broad spectrum, season long, weed control that maximizes yields and in some cases eliminates tank mixing or repeat applications. Now these same opportunities will soon be available in wheat.

"AgriPro strives to provide wheat growers with the most advanced genetics and technologies
available," explains Rob Bruns, AgriPro's general manager of wheat research. "Through this
agreement with Cyanamid and UGG, growers can further increase the value of their crop by combining superior weed control with high-quality, high-yielding performance."

"This sends wheat growers the clear message that AgriPro intends to live up to its claim of 'Nobody Knows Wheat Like We Do,'" Bruns adds. "By continuing to incorporate the latest technology into AgriPro's premium germplasm, AgriPro provides wheat farmers with an opportunity to partake in the most advanced innovations in crop science."

The imidazolines are a unique family of crop protection products for weed control that were developed by Cyanamid Agricultural Products Research Division. The imidazolines work on an enzyme that is present in plants but not animals, birds, fish or insects.

The imidazoline chemistry is the source of the active ingredients in LIGHTNING®, and PURSUIT®
herbicides. Imazamox, the imidazolinone selected for use in wheat, offers a wide application window, low use rates, and broad spectrum, season long, weed control. It also fits all tillage systems, has an excellent crop rotation profile and broad tank mix compatibility.

"Many growers face limited yield and profit potential because they lack a reliable and effective method to control competitive weeds in wheat," says Scott Gaddis, Cyanamid's business director for imidazolinone tolerant crops. "We're committed to providing farmers with new, innovative ways of maximizing their profitability. This agreement puts us closer to that goal."

Varieties developed under this agreement will be produced, marketed and distributed in the United
States by AgriPro Seeds, Inc. and in Canada under UGG's Proven Seed brand name.

®/[TM] Trademarks, American Cyanamid Company©1998

Company news release
N1940