On the 12^th March 2004, Sakata ornamentals Europe A/S Denmark, purchased the Osteospermum Cape Daisy® breeding program from Ecke ApS and PLA International ApS. The Cape daisy® series is a leading series of Osteopsermum in terms of plant and flowering characteristics, flower colour and flower type (for example varieties with spoon shaped petals). A vigorous breeding program of Osteospermum by Sakata is foreseen. Coming on the heals of Sakata's acquistion of Daehnfeldt, a very exiting range of products and breeding now comes under one roof. The 2004 Sakata Spring Trials will take place 3-7 May at theit trial grounds in Holland. Summer trials will take place at Danefeld from the 15^th July to 15^th September. For further information, contact: Judith Vestmark Hansen, Fax 0045 63906499, E-mail: judith-v.hansen@sakata-eu.com

New introductions that will be on display at the trials include: the Torenia series 'Little Kiss'. Torenia is fast becoming more popular as people want a pot and bedding plant tolerant of hot humid climates. 'Little Kiss' offers excellent basal branching and is uniform in flower timing and habit. The series is available in five strong colours (White, Rose Picotee, Blue & White, Blue and Bergundy) and a mix. In the garden the variety is useful in patio containers and as mixed plantings, borders and beds in the garden. Garden height: 15-20 cm. Other heat tolerant varieties include the new delicate soft pink Vinca variety that now joins the 11 other large flowered varieties in the 'Victory' Series that grow to compact plants with excellent basal branching. 'Sunseeker' is a new series of all-day blooming, semi-double Portulaca. The series comprises a broad range of colours (White, Cream, Yellow, Orange, Pink, Red) and is also available as a mix. Plants are compact and are ideal for packs and pots. Verbena also likes warm, high light conditions. 'Vesta' is a new compact series in White, Scarlet, Bergundy and as a Pink mix. 'Vesta' Bergundy has a pronounced white eye. It has good germination and plants are compact and uniform for pack and pot production. Highly recommended for garden beds, hanging baskets and patuio containers. These plants will trail over the edge of containers and mix well with a variety of other species. In the garden the series will form well branching, mounded plants with large umbels adding lots of colour. Last but not least are the two new varieties in the Zinnia 'Profusion' series, Apricot and Fire that go so well together with the other, much acclaimed varieties, Orange, White and Cherry. These plants are excellent in spring and autumn pots and of course in flower beds. These plants perform well in hot dry conditions (but not only). They are tolerant of warm temperatures and are disease resistant. Other new introductions to various series include Impatiens, Gerbera, Hypoestes, Viola and Primula, all of which (with the exception of Hypoestes and P.malacoides) contain so many differing varieties from the major seed companies that one needs an ever greater creative licence to describe (and observe) the significant differences and improvements. For an overview of the Company: www.sakata.com