Barenbrug Introduces New Zeba(R)- Coated Bermuda Grass.

Leading Seed Company Selects New Patented Superabsorbent Technology

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Barenbrug USA has selected patented Zeba[R] brand seed-coating technology from Absorbent Technologies, Inc. (ATI) as part of a new generation of bermudagrass seed. The new Barbados bermudagrass from Barenbrug USA is now available with the Zeba technology built-in to increase germination and improve the seed establishment.

Barbados is a new generation bermudagrass from Barenbrug USA available this spring. Barbados is a highly rated variety in both NTEP trials as well as European trials. Known for its dark green color, Barbados exhibits a dense sward and excellent winter survivability. Recent NTEP trials show that Barbados ranks as high, and in some cases higher, than the vegetative varieties of bermudagrass currently available. For the first time, high quality bermudagrass is now affordable.

Developed from natural cornstarch, Zeba is the first starch-based, seed-coating treatment available specifically for improved turf production by creating a healthy microenvironment around the seed. Benefits include faster germination and superior stand establishment.

When used as a soil amendment, Zeba works like a sponge, holding and releasing moisture over and over again to plant roots, as needed. Zeba's ability to hold more than 400 times its own weight in water - and give back 95% of that water to root systems - results in thicker turf that's more resilient to wear while significantly improved water management and reducing irrigation costs.

"We are taking a great product in Barbados and making it better with Zeba," said Christiaan Arends, Turf Product Manager, Barenbrug USA. "We are known as the worldwide innovator of grass seed breeding so to partner with an innovative coating company like ATI will mean better products for the end user. There have always been a number of issues with seeded bermudagrass. The price was right, but the quality as well as germination and establishment were always problematic. When using Barbados with Zeba, you get the highest quality turf with the added benefit of increased germination and establishment. This is a 'first' in the turf industry."

"We are extremely pleased to be chosen by Barenbrug in the development of this innovative new turf product," said Gary Olson, Vice President of Sales, ATI, upon making the announcement. "This is a great example of our technology licensing program that provides added value and increases the efficacy of products from manufacturers such as Barenbrug, and helps leading brands stay at the forefront of technology."

About Absorbent Technologies, Inc.

Absorbent Technologies, Inc. (ATI), based in Beaverton, Ore., is the world leader in the development and manufacturing of starch-based superabsorbent products that are specifically formulated to optimize the quality of turf.

The company's patented Zeba[R] branded products repeatedly hold and release water in the root zone, reducing moisture stress in plants. By creating a more favorable growing environment, Zeba also improves stand establishment and plant consistency. The company's products are sold for commercial agricultural production, turf and ornamentals, reforestation, seed coating, and at retail to lawn and garden enthusiasts.

The foundation for Zeba's technology was created initially by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) researchers and has been further developed by ATI through its patents. The company maintains two exclusive Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with the USDA for ongoing advancements in starch-based technologies. ATI began large-scale commercial manufacturing of Zeba in 2004 at company-owned facilities in Albany, Ore.