Plant Impact and Rothamsted Research to cooperate on wheat projects

Plant Impact  announced a research partnership with the Rothamsted institute and said it is relocating to the newly announced Green Enterprise Science Park at Rothamsted Research in Hertfordshire.

According to the AIM quoted crop nutrition specialist, the move should lead to a step change improvement in its research and development capacity.

Plant and Rothamsted Research have agreed to cooperate on agricultural technology and arable crop projects related to plant nutrition and the amelioration of the effects of environmental stress on crop quality and yield.

Back in May, Rothamsted launched the 20:20 Wheat research programme to provide technology to enhance UK wheat yields potential by 20 tonnes of wheat per hectare within the next 20 years.

Plant will now participate by directing part of its own specialty nutrient and anti-stress technology research into wheat and other arable crops.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for an emerging R&D-focused company like ours to work with some of the best crop scientists in the world,” said chief executive of Plant Impact John Brubaker.

“Collaboration with the Institute's visionary wheat projects is a valuable and motivating recognition that Plant Impact's products will be relevant to growers of the world's most important food crop.”

At the Green Enterprise Science Park, Plant Impact will have access to advanced scientific equipment, glasshouse facilities and on-site research farm.

The relocation should therefore boost the company’s research and development capacity, resulting in accelerated product innovation.

Shares in Plant Impact climbed two percent to 14.25 pence by 10:15am, giving the company a market cap of £7.2 million.