Tyratech Share Discussion Threads

[guru] 29/4/2013 13:14

Bee deaths: EU to ban neonicotinoid pesticides

majority of EU states have backed a proposal to restrict the use of pesticides linked to bee deaths in scientific studies.

There is great concern across Europe about the collapse of bee populations.

Neonicotinoid chemicals in pesticides are believed to harm bees and the European Commission says they should be restricted to crops not attractive to bees and other pollinators.

But many farmers and crop experts argue that there is insufficient data.

The Commission now has the go-ahead to impose a two-year restriction on neonicotinoids.

Wild species such as honey bees are said by researchers to be responsible for pollinating around one-third of the world's crop production.

Greenpeace EU agriculture policy director Marco Contiero said Monday's vote "makes it crystal clear that there is overwhelming scientific, political and public support for a ban.

"Those countries opposing a ban have failed."

An EU vote last month was inconclusive, so the Commission proposal went to an appeals committee on Monday.

Some restrictions are already in place for neonicotinoids in France, Germany, Italy and Slovenia.

But the idea of a two-year moratorium did not attract enough support last month, under the EU's weighted voting system, after the UK and Germany both abstained.

Continue reading the main story
What exactly are Neonicotinoids?

Nicotine is not just lethal to humans in the form of cigarettes, but the chemical is also extremely toxic to insects
Neonicotinoid pesticides are new nicotine-like chemicals and act on the nervous systems of insects, with a lower threat to mammals and the environment than many older sprays
Pesticides made in this way are water soluble, which means they can be applied to the soil and taken up by the whole plant - they are called "systemic", meaning they turn the plant itself into a poison factory, with toxins coming from roots, leaves, stems and pollen
Neonicotinoids are often applied as seed treatments, which means coating the seeds before planting.
The three neonicotinoids are clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiametoxam.

A report published by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) in January concluded that the pesticides posed a "high acute risk" to pollinators, including honeybees.

However, it added that in some cases it was "unable to finalise the assessments due to shortcomings in the available data".

Intensive lobbying
There was ferocious lobbying both for and against in the run-up to Monday's vote, the BBC's Chris Morris reports from Brussels.

Nearly three million signatures were collected in support of a ban. Protesters against neonicotinoids rallied in Westminster on Friday.

Campaign organiser Andrew Pendleton of the environmental group Friends of the Earth said "leading retailers have already taken action by removing these pesticides from their shelves and supply chains - the UK government must act too".

"Pesticides aren't the only threat bees face - that's why David Cameron must urgently introduce a Bee Action Plan," he said.

Chemical companies and pesticide manufacturers have been lobbying just as hard - they argue that the science is inconclusive, and that a ban would harm food production.

The UK government seems to agree with the industry lobby. It says it cannot support the proposed ban in its current form. The chief scientific adviser, Sir Mark Walport, has said restrictions on the use of pesticides should not be introduced lightly, and the idea of a ban should be dropped.

The EU moratorium would not apply to crops non-attractive to bees, or to winter cereals.

It would prohibit the sale and use of seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides.

The deadline for implementation would be 1 July this year, not affecting the forthcoming sowing season for maize.

There would be a ban on the sale of neonicotinoids to amateur growers.

There have been a number of studies showing that the chemicals, made by Bayer and Syngenta, do have negative impacts on bees.

One study suggested that neonicotinoids affected the abilities of hives to produce queen bees. More recent research indicated that the pesticides damaged their brains.

But the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) argues that these studies were mainly conducted in the laboratory and do not accurately reflect field conditions.

[encarter] 25/4/2013 12:49

Large trade at 5p. Maybe a buy ahead of the presentation in May.

[encarter] 24/4/2013 22:33

A bit of press in the US.

[deepvalueinvestor] 15/4/2013 18:28

Good spot as we may well see some buying after that. We can front run!

[tradervic] 15/4/2013 14:37

Alan Reade, Executive Chairman of TyraTech (TYR) (TYR.L) [LON:TYR] the natural life sciences company, will be presenting at the Shares Magazine Innovation & Growth Investor Evening in London on 9th May 2013. The Innovation & Growth Investor Evening will showcase up to 4 leading innovative and imaginative growth companies bringing them together in one room for one evening only! The event offers a unique opportunity not only to hear about their latest plans but also for investors to put questions to senior management of the companies. Presenting at the event will be Fusion IP (LON:FIP), TyraTech (LON:TYR) and VALIRX (LON:VAL). More details at or

[deepvalueinvestor] 13/4/2013 19:02

I agree, it looks like Tyratech are in the right place at the right time. Lots of coverage in UK and USA about bees and pesticides. I wonder how often the EPA gets sued by a large national organisation?

[techair] 13/4/2013 17:40

Would be nice to see others follow suit.

[techair] 13/4/2013 17:11

So advanced talks with a major group in France and board strengthening too. Sounds quite exciting

[deepvalueinvestor] 12/4/2013 22:55

Cheers, reads well.

[encarter] 12/4/2013 22:45

Worth a read.

[dassaco] 11/4/2013 09:57

TyraTech has been granted registration in France for its new insect repellent, meaning the product can now go on sale in France.
The company has already been granted registrations for its personal insect repellent in the US, German and UK markets.

[dassaco] 10/4/2013 14:12

deleted as posted by mistake
Still very positive here though
Massive market for these products
Long term hold

[encarter] 08/4/2013 08:55

Things are warming up now. Not much stock left now at 5.5p and good news just around the corner.

[techair] 06/4/2013 20:38

OK thanks - didn't realise that sort of stuff still went on

[deepvalueinvestor] 06/4/2013 20:03

It was just a small sale of CGT purposes, I'm sure. They may well try to buy back after 30 days.

[techair] 06/4/2013 19:30

OK - did you take all that was on offer or was there more left over please?

[deepvalueinvestor] 06/4/2013 14:12

My dealers just knew I was a buyer so came to me when sale order was placed.

[techair] 06/4/2013 11:46

dvi - cripes that's a great price. I could do with a broker like that. Care to share your broker please?

[pugugly] 06/4/2013 11:39

deepvalueinvestor> Now ther is a name to remember XTL.(XL TechGroup) I remeember when analysts were penciling in a target of about £10 for the whole group !!

Note:- Keep finger off buy button after reading many analysts notes - they are usually (imo) wearing rose tinted glasses and often swallow what the company tells them without applying caution or even common sense- Common sense often seems to be lacking in the City. !!.

But enough of hitting analysts poor things some of the posters here do (imo) a betterjob than some of them.

Re TYR. Now at an interesting level and the products have (imo) potential BUT need to see sales traction and may well need further funding. It all now depends on the marketing plan and its effective execution.

Declaration. I hold TYR from a lower level but as you say a very tightly held stock at anything like a keen price.

[deepvalueinvestor] 06/4/2013 08:21

It has been painful, especially for those of us who indirectly owned shares through XL Techgroup, but the investment from AMVAC finally gives some credibility so I am buying.

[snatander] 06/4/2013 08:10

JanetWang 18 Dec'09 - 00:00 - 43 of 487

its all puff - this co - all talk and promises




QED

[deepvalueinvestor] 05/4/2013 21:57

We had an internal seller so I actually got some at 4.74p. However, 5.4p looks the standard offer.

[techair] 05/4/2013 20:58

dvi - what price were you able to get today please? I was told there was not much about again on tyru

[encarter] 04/4/2013 22:58

Whoops! 60m shares. Thanks e5.