By Nathan Sheva, Haaretz.com

Seed breeder Hazera Genetics, which has been controlled since July 2003 by the French firm Vilmorin, announced yesterday that its second-quarter revenues increased by 10 percent, to NIS 78.4 million, compared to the parallel.

Various vegetable seeds contributed 94 percent of its turnover, or NIS 73.7 million, while field crops were responsible for NIS 4.7 million in sales. About 80 percent of the company's turnover was generated by exports.

The company, traded on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, develops hybrid vegetable and field crop seeds, such as the mini-seedless watermelon and a strain of tomato resistant to yellow leaf curl virus.

Hazera's gross profits sprouted by 16 percent to NIS 46.3 million, and its net soared 55 percent to NIS 10.8 million in the quarter.