AgroSpheres, a leader in biotechnology-driven crop protection, has partnered with Wilbur-Ellis to launch FUN-THYME, a broad-spectrum biofungicide based on thyme oil and encapsulated using AgroSpheres' proprietary AgriCell platform. This marks the debut of the first commercial product built on AgriCell and represents a major leap forward in sustainable pest management.
Designed for both conventional and organic farming systems, FUN-THYME targets a range of fungal diseases affecting high-value crops like almonds, grapes, berries, tomatoes, apples, and cherries. The product is already approved in 11 U.S. states, including Florida, Michigan, and Washington, with California registration pending.
The $33 billion U.S. fungicide market is seeing rising demand for effective, residue-free alternatives as resistance and regulatory scrutiny increase. FUN-THYME offers a compelling solution, using a novel BM01 membrane disruption mode of action that not only reduces pathogen resistance but also ensures safety for applicators and the environment. Each 2.5-gallon container treats up to 20 acres, optimizing cost and efficiency.
AgriCell, the breakthrough delivery system behind FUN-THYME, protects bioactive ingredients from UV damage, heat, and other field stresses. Free from microplastics and petrochemicals, it is fully biodegradable and breaks down into plant-nourishing compounds—solving one of the biggest challenges in biological input delivery.
Company leaders emphasized the significance of the launch. AgroSpheres CEO Payam Pourtaheri hailed it as a “milestone” in delivering nature-powered solutions with precision, while Wilbur-Ellis’ Chris Wooley stressed the growing role of AgriCell in shaping a new generation of biological inputs that marry productivity with sustainability.
