Key Takeaways:
- AgroSpheres announces U.S. commercial launch of FUN-THYME™, a broad-spectrum biofungicide derived from thyme oil
- Wilbur-Ellis will distribute the product nationwide under an exclusive agreement
- FUN-THYME™ targets high-value crops such as almonds, apples, tomatoes, cherries, berries, and grapes
- The product leverages AgroSpheres’ proprietary AgriCell® encapsulation platform for improved field stability and delivery
- Designed for both organic and conventional systems, it addresses pest resistance and environmental sustainability concerns
AgroSpheres and Wilbur-Ellis Partner to Introduce Next-Generation Biofungicide to U.S. Growers
AgroSpheres, a biotechnology company specializing in biobased crop protection, has commercially launched FUN-THYME™, a biofungicide formulated with thyme oil and delivered through the company’s proprietary AgriCell® encapsulation platform. Under an exclusive distribution agreement, Wilbur-Ellis will bring the product to market across the United States.
“This is a major milestone for AgroSpheres,” said Payam Pourtaheri, CEO and Co-Founder of AgroSpheres. “FUN-THYME™ shows how we can harness the power of nature and deliver it with precision.”
AgroSpheres’s FUN-THYME™: Designed to Meet Performance and Sustainability Demands
FUN-THYME™ is intended for use on high-value fruit and vegetable crops, including grapes, cherries, berries, and tomatoes. It offers a broad-spectrum defense against fungal diseases, using a mode of action called BM01 membrane disruption, which disrupts pathogen cells and limits resistance development.
The product’s formulation is designed for efficiency—one 2.5-gallon jug can treat up to 20 acres. Its application is compatible with both conventional and organic farming systems, aligning with increasing market demand for low-residue, environmentally conscious crop protection tools.
AgriCell® Delivery System Enhances Stability and Biodegradability
FUN-THYME™ is the first commercial product to feature AgroSpheres’ AgriCell® technology, a biodegradable encapsulation platform that protects bioactive ingredients from UV degradation, heat, and field volatility. Unlike many bio-based products, which degrade quickly in field conditions, AgriCell® stabilizes the formulation and ensures targeted delivery.
The delivery system is free from solvents, microplastics, and petrochemicals, breaking down naturally into compounds beneficial for soil and plant health.
Wilbur-Ellis Sees Potential for Broader AgriCell® Adoption
Chris Wooley, Portfolio Manager for Specialty Actives at Wilbur-Ellis, noted the significance of the partnership: “We’re excited to be the first to deliver AgriCell technology to the market. FUN-THYME™ is a unique solution that addresses the dual needs of productivity and sustainability.”
Both companies emphasize that the collaboration is part of a broader goal to develop a portfolio of next-generation biological products that meet evolving regulatory and environmental standards in agriculture.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Wilbur-Ellis,” said Ameer Shakeel, CTO and Co-Founder of AgroSpheres. “Our teams have worked together tirelessly to overcome the key challenges with bio-based formulations.”
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