Key Takeaways
- AgroSpheres and Wilbur-Ellis announced California approval for FUN-THYME biofungicide, targeting six crops with over $15 billion combined production value in the state.
- The broad-spectrum biofungicide demonstrates effectiveness on grapes, berries, apples, cherries, tomatoes and almonds across California's specialty crop markets.
- A 2025 California State University, Fresno study confirmed FUN-THYME showed no adverse effects on wine grape maturity, yield or quality compared to conventional treatments.
- FUN-THYME is now available in California and registered for use in 15 additional states, with one 2.5-gallon jug treating up to 20 acres.
- The product is built on AgroSpheres' AgriCell encapsulation platform and delivers thyme-oil bioactives with OMRI-listed organic certification.
AgroSpheres Expands into California's Specialty Crop Market
AgroSpheres and Wilbur-Ellis announced March 17, 2026 that their co-developed biofungicide FUN-THYME has received approval for use in California. The registration opens access to the largest specialty crop producer in the United States, where the six targeted crops generate over $15 billion in combined production value.
“We see this registration as a milestone for specialty crop agriculture. California approval brings us into the heart of some of the most demanding, high-value growing environments in the world and FUN-THYME is built for exactly that,” said Payam Pourtaheri, CEO and Co-Founder of AgroSpheres.
Wine Grape Study Validates Product Performance
A 2025 study conducted by the Department of Viticulture & Enology at California State University, Fresno evaluated FUN-THYME against competing biofungicides and conventional treatments across a full growing season. The research found FUN-THYME showed no adverse effects on grape maturity or yield, with wines from treated grapes showing no detrimental effects on taste, aroma or overall quality.
“These results indicate FUN-THYME is an exciting biological option for vineyards. From both a chemical and sensory standpoint, FUN-THYME performed comparably to conventional programs without compromising wine quality,” said Dr. S. Kaan Kurtural, Senior Ag Tech Info Manager for Wilbur-Ellis.
AgroSpheres' Platform Technology and Commercial Reach
Built on AgroSpheres' proprietary AgriCell encapsulation platform, FUN-THYME delivers thyme-oil bioactives with broad-spectrum fungal control. The product offers high efficiency with one 2.5-gallon jug treating up to 20 acres, making it suitable for large-scale operations. CTO and Co-Founder Ameer Shakeel noted the platform began in collaboration with vineyards nearly a decade ago.
FUN-THYME fits into conventional, organic and integrated disease management programs as an OMRI-listed product. With California approval, the biofungicide is now registered in 16 states total and available through Wilbur-Ellis representatives statewide.
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