AgroSpheres and Wilbur-Ellis today announced that FUN-THYME, a broad-spectrum biofungicide co-developed by the two companies, has been approved for use in California. With demonstrated effectiveness on grapes, berries, apples, cherries, tomatoes and almonds, the new registration unlocks access for California growers.
As the largest specialty crop producer in the United States, California is a defining commercial opportunity for the biofungicide. The combined production value of the six crops FUN-THYME targets in the state is over $15 billion.
“We see this registration as a milestone for specialty crop agriculture,” said Payam Pourtaheri, CEO and Co-Founder of AgroSpheres. “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.”
“Our proprietary encapsulation platform began in collaboration with vineyards and specialty crop growers nearly a decade ago,” said Ameer Shakeel, AgroSpheres’ CTO and Co-Founder. “Seeing these early breakthroughs come full circle as a highly effective, commercially available product for California growers is deeply rewarding. Since our product launch last year, we are well on our way to protecting tens of thousands of acres with this product.”
Study Confirms Wine Grape Integrity
A 2025 study by the Department of Viticulture & Enology at California State University, Fresno, evaluated FUN-THYME alongside competing biofungicides, conventional fungicides and hybrid programs across a full growing season of winemaking. FUN-THYME showed no adverse effects on grape maturity or yield, and wines made from treated grapes were the only ones from a biological treatment to show no detrimental effects on taste, aroma or overall wine quality.
“These results indicate FUN-THYME is an exciting biological option for vineyards,” said Dr. S. Kaan Kurtural, Senior Ag Tech Info Manager for Wilbur-Ellis. “From both a chemical and sensory standpoint, FUN-THYME performed comparably to conventional programs without compromising wine quality.”
A Practical, Powerful Platform for Specialty Crop Growers
Built on AgroSpheres’ AgriCell encapsulation platform, FUN-THYME delivers thyme-oil bioactives with broad-spectrum, long-lasting fungal control and a strong safety and handling profile. One 2.5-gallon jug treats up to 20 acres, making it highly efficient for large-scale operations. It fits seamlessly into conventional, organic and integrated disease management programs.
“California growers are looking for options that protect crop quality from field to market,” said Gina Colfer at Wilbur-Ellis. “FUN-THYME is a natural, OMRI-listed product with strong agronomic performance. By fitting seamlessly into conventional, organic, and integrated pest management programs, FUN-THYME provides a versatile, long-lasting solution that offers growers a new tool in the toolbox for disease suppression and control.”
With California approval in place, FUN-THYME is now available to growers statewide through Wilbur-Ellis and registered for use in 15 additional states across the U.S. on a growing list of high-value crops.
For more information about FUN-THYME, growers should contact their local Wilbur-Ellis representative. https://www.
About AgroSpheres
AgroSpheres envisions a future built by nature’s technologies. Based in Charlottesville, VA, the company’s mission is to revolutionize agriculture with reliable and affordable biobased solutions. AgroSpheres’ deep pipeline of biomolecules and patented AgriCell platform facilitate the development of biological pesticides with multi-year shelf lives and high field efficacy. The company’s platform makes it cost-effective to deploy novel biomolecules, plant extracts, and small molecules in the field at significantly reduced doses. For more information, visit www.agrospheres.com.
Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are leading marketers, distributors and manufacturers of agricultural products. By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments, and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business, achieving sales of over $3 billion. For more information, please visit www.wilburellis.com.
Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness, with annual sales revenue of $2.2 billion, has over 120 retail locations. For more information on agribusiness, please visit www.