Blush EUP Results
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Blush™ Plant Growth Regulator from Fine Americas
Shows Promise in 2011 Experimental Use Permit Trials
Walnut Creek, Calif., April 3, 2012–Fine Americas, Inc., a leading manufacturer and
marketer of plant growth regulators for the fruit industry, today reported that its Blush™
plant growth regulator showed excellent results in 2011 Experimental Use Permit
(EUP) trials. Featuring the active ingredient prohydrojasmon (PDJ), Blush™ was
developed to promote fruit color change in bi-color apple varieties.
“We’re very please with last year’s trial results on Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji,
Macintosh and other bi-color varieties,” noted Kevin Forney, a technical services manager
for Fine Americas. “Based on the data we’ve received from cooperators in several of the
key apple-producing states, Blush™ did an excellent job of enhancing fruit color
compared to the current grower standard and untreated checks.”
Prohydrojasmon is a synthetically produced jasmonate, one of a new group of plant
hormones with several beneficial physiological properties. In addition to fruit de-greening,
PDJ aids in fruit color development by enhancing accumulation of anthocyanin within
apples. Anthocyanins are red pigments that belong to a class of molecules called
flavonoids. Along with stimulating fruit coloration, anthocyanins act as powerful
antioxidants.
Forney said he anticipates renewal of the Experimental Use Permit for the 2012
growing season, which will allow Fine Americas to expand its product development
efforts. PDJ is already labeled for use on apples in a number of countries, including
Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
“Blush™ is another example of our company’s continued commitment to America’s
fruit growers,” Forney summarized. “Along with our current portfolio of PGRs, including
Exilis® Plus, Falgro®, Novagib® and Perlan®, the introduction of Blush™ will give U.S.
apple growers another valuable tool in their never-ending quest to produce the highest
quality fruit.”
About Fine Americas, Inc.
Fine Americas, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fine Holdings Ltd., Worcester, UK.
Founded in 1983, Fine focuses on the development and marketing of plant growth regulators for
fruit and ornamental crops. The company received its ISO 9001 accreditation in 1992 and
continually strives to improve plant growth regulator technology to meet the exacting demands
of today’s quality-conscious growers. For more information about Fine Americas, please visit
www.fine-americas.com.
About Engle Creative Solutions, LLC
Headquartered in Columbia, MO, Engle Creative Solutions is a full-service marketing
communications company specializing in agribusiness, financial services and health care
accounts. Engle Creative Solutions is committed to helping its clients “stand out in a crowded
world” through sound strategy coupled with flawless creative execution. To learn more about
Engle Creative Solutions, go to www.engle-creative.com.
For more information, contact:
Gregory Johnson
President
Fine Americas, Inc.
1850 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 405
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 932-8817
Steve Engle
President/Chief Creative Officer
Engle Creative Solutions, LLC
4807 Walnut Ridge Court
Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 823-4723
