AgroSpheres, a biotechnology company transforming crop protection with biobased innovations, today announced the commercial launch of FUN-THYME™, a groundbreaking, broad-spectrum biofungicide derived from thyme oil and delivered through the company’s proprietary AgriCell encapsulation platform. Through an exclusive distribution agreement, Wilbur-Ellis will introduce FUN-THYME™ to growers across the United States, helping them protect high-value crops including almonds, apples, tomatoes, cherries, berries and grapes. This pioneering product offers a new level of pest management efficiency and a highly effective alternative to traditional chemistries for both conventional and organic farming systems.
The total U.S. fungicide market is estimated at over $33 billion annually, driven by demand for solutions that effectively manage resistant pathogens, improve yield and align with increasing regulatory pressures around pesticide residues. This development and exclusive distribution partnership marks a significant step toward accelerating the adoption of sustainable agricultural solutions in the U.S. market.
FUN-THYME™
FUN-THYME™ is an advanced biofungicide that provides superior performance against a wide array of destructive fungal crop diseases while minimizing environmental impact. It harnesses potent biochemicals from thyme oil through a unique mode of action known as BM01 membrane disruption that is new to the Wilbur-Ellis portfolio. This mechanism reduces resistance and ensures safety for workers and the environment. Just one 2.5-gallon jug treats up to 20 acres, offering ultra-efficient application. Backed by three years of rigorous field development and a variety of trials, FUN-THYME™ delivers optimal product-market fit and strong grower returns.
FUN-THYME™ is the first commercial product to feature AgroSpheres’ novel AgriCell encapsulation technology, which stabilizes bioactive compounds against UV degradation, temperature changes and other volatile field stressors. While bio-based compounds are typically unstable, AgriCell® protects them until they reach the target, attacking disease in multiple sites and stopping it at its source. Free of solvents, microplastics and petrochemicals, AgriCell® is a fully biodegradable delivery system that naturally breaks down into nutrients beneficial to plant health.
Milestone and Partnership
“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. With Wilbur-Ellis’ extensive distribution network and deep industry expertise, they are the ideal partner to bring this technology to growers looking to sustainably improve their crop yields.”
Ameer Shakeel, CTO and Co-Founder of AgroSpheres, highlighted the collaboration and innovation behind FUN-THYME™: “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Wilbur-Ellis. Our teams have worked together tirelessly to overcome the key challenges with bio-based formulations and promote long-term crop health.”
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to bring innovative and sustainable solutions to our customers,” said Chris Wooley, Portfolio Manager for Specialty Actives at Wilbur-Ellis. “We’re excited to be the first to deliver AgriCell technology to the market and we see strong potential for this technology to serve as the foundation of a portfolio of next-generation biological products that meet the evolving needs of modern agriculture.”
Wooley added: “At Wilbur-Ellis, we’re committed to bringing breakthrough technologies like the AgriCell® to growers that maximize their productivity while adopting more sustainable practices. FUN-THYME™ is a unique solution that addresses both needs.”
At its launch, FUN-THYME™ is approved for use in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, with registration pending in California.
Read more here.