Modesto, California
January 14, 2002

Harris Moran pumpkins and green peppers fared well in recent university trials, finishing at the top in yield performance.

In research conducted by Ohio State University, Karma, an HM bell pepper, out-yielded all comers in first-harvest pick.

Totaling 201 boxes at first harvest, Karma continued its winning ways by coming in first in the "total of three harvests" category, with 1244 boxes. About 70% of the total harvest graded XL, L, M, and S; with about 40% at XL and L, according to research data.

Another Harris Moran bell pepper, Conquest, finished second at 1167 total boxes for three
harvests. About 75% of the fruit graded XL, L, M, and S; with 38% ranking as XL and L. Conquest is
highly tolerant to Phytophthora Capcisi and resistant to a formidable array of viruses.

"What we're seeing is performance in yield, size, and disease resistance," said Jana Middleton, HM's
product manager for bell peppers and pumpkins. "Our breeders are concentrating on those two
attributes and it's showing. And there's more in the pipeline."

The pumpkin trial was equally impressive.

HMX 6689, an experimental variety with a dark orange color, nice handles, and powdery mildew tolerance, and Magic Lantern, the industry's choice, nearly topped the yield charts. HMX 6689 counted 18.7 tons and acre; and Magic Lantern totaled 18.5 tons an acre.

Fruit size for HMX 6689 averaged 22 pounds, while fruit size for Magic Lantern measured 17 pounds.

Another good showing came from Sorcerer, another HM pumpkin. It averaged 16.1 tons an acre; and 17 pounds per pumpkin.

"When people think of pumpkins they think of Harris Moran," said Middleton. "Yield, quality, and disease resistance continue to set our products apart from the competition. We're continuing to strengthen our product line."

Trials were conducted by the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, Plant Pathology,
Entomology, The Enterprise Center at Hillsboro, The Ohio State University, Columbus.

Harris Moran Seed Company is part of the largest independently owned seed company in the world. It
is owned by Groupe Limagrain, a French cooperative owned, run, and operated by French farmers.

Harris Moran Seed Company breeds innovative vegetable varieties designed to boost yield, reduce chemical inputs, and increase freshness, flavor, and fruit quality from plow to plate. The Modesto, CA-based company breeds vegetables for markets in more than 65 countries.