By Joe Hoppe


Plant Health Care PLC shares rose Thursday after it said that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has commercially approved its novel peptide fungicide.

Shares at 0924 GMT were up 0.9 pence, or 8.6% at 11.4 pence.

The agricultural product manufacturer said that Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness--one of the largest U.S. agricultural product retailers--is expected to start selling the new peptide fungicide, coded PHC279, in key U.S. markets under the brand Obrona in 2023.

Obrona was developed to help growers control a range of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens, particularly in fruits, nuts, vegetables, and row crops. The product is intended to reduce reliance on older synthetic pesticides, and will support farmers seeking more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

"Wilbur-Ellis has proven to be a strong partner over the years, supporting our Employ product since 2019, and we look forward to similar success with Obrona," Chief Executive Jeff Tweedy said.

Plant Health Care also said it is on track to deliver revenue of $30 million by 2025, through the launch of new products and continued growth in distributor relationships.


Write to Joe Hoppe at joseph.hoppe@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

03-02-23 0443ET