Aventis CropScience Japan and Zen-Noh (National Federation of Agricultural Co-operative Associations in Japan) announced that a new herbicide for grass weeds Oxaziclomefone, co-developed by Zen-Noh and Aventis CropScience, Japan, has been registered in Japan for use in herbicide mixtures for paddy rice and turf.

This compound was first discovered in Japan. To date, 13 mixtures have been registered for rice and turf markets. Applications for registration of another two mixtures are underway.

The new molecule will enable Aventis CropScience, Japan to strengthen its position on the Japanese rice market, which is valued at about 1,175 million USD and is one of the largest Asian markets. The product will make a substantial contribution to the company's annual sales.

Oxaziclomefone is under development in various other Asian countries such as Korea, China, Thailand and Vietnam.

Aventis CropScience is a major crop protection and crop production company also involved in top-ranking environmental and public health activities. Committed to developing sustainable agriculture worldwide, Aventis CropScience focuses on researching, developing and marketing innovative solutions that meet the needs of today's farming - increased yields, improved crop and food quality - whilst constantly striving to meet the needs of the environment.

With 1999 pro-forma sales of 4,061 million euro, Aventis CropScience devotes over 10% of its turnover to the Research and Development of new chemicals, biotechnology and plant varieties. It employs about 15,500 people in more than 120 countries worldwide. Aventis CropScience is part of the agricultural sector of Aventis, a world leader in Life Sciences. 

For more information on Aventis visit the Web Site www.aventis.com 

Company news release
N2997