Under terms of the agreements, Ball will have exclusive rights to transformation technology in most major species of floricultural plants using the Biolistics "gene gun" delivery process. These rights encompass over 130 genera of floricultural crops and include species of geraniums, impatiens, pansies and marigolds.

Ball will continue to fund research at Sanford Scientific, Inc. to develop new transgenic varieties. Sanford Scientific, Inc. was founded by one of the inventors of the gene gun, Dr. John Sanford, and a majority share of it was purchased in 1998 by The Scotts Company.

"This agreement provides Ball with freedom to operate with an important genetic transformation technology," said Randal Hauptmann, General Manager of Ball Helix, which is the Ball subsidiary focused on transgenic product development. "This gene delivery technology, coupled with access to genes in the Sanford Scientific portfolio, will allow Ball Helix to apply advanced genetics to Ball's extensive germplasm base. Our focus will be traits which provide consumer and grower benefits."

Ball Helix is developing programs in genomics, molecular markers, and unique tissue culture propagation systems, in addition to the use of advanced biotechnology approaches. Ball Helix is aggressively licensing technology, and forming several partnerships and alliances in the floricultural plant area.