AgroSpheres Launches FUN-THYME™: A Broad-Spectrum Biofungicide Powered by AgriCell® Technology

June 24, 2025 – AgroSpheres, a leading biotechnology company in the field of sustainable crop protection, has officially announced the launch of FUN-THYME™, a broad-spectrum biofungicide developed using its proprietary AgriCell® encapsulation technology. The product is designed to deliver effective control of key fungal pathogens while addressing the increasing demand for environmentally responsible and worker-safe solutions in agriculture.

FUN-THYME™ is based on thyme oil, a naturally derived active ingredient known for its antifungal properties. The innovation lies in AgroSpheres’ AgriCell® technology, which encapsulates the thyme oil to protect it from degradation by ultraviolet light, heat, and oxidation. This enables a controlled release of the active ingredient at the site of action, significantly improving field performance while maintaining safety and environmental compatibility.

The formulation employs a unique BM01 mode of action—a membrane-disruption mechanism that allows for effective pathogen elimination without the use of synthetic chemicals. This also supports resistance management strategies, providing growers with a reliable alternative in the face of increasing resistance to conventional fungicides.

“FUN-THYME™ represents a major advancement in our mission to enable a safer, cleaner food system through innovative biologicals,” said Payam Pourtaheri, CEO and Co-Founder of AgroSpheres. “By pairing natural ingredients with our patented delivery platform, we’re solving longstanding challenges in the application and reliability of essential oil-based crop protection products.”

With approvals in 11 U.S. states and more registrations in progress, FUN-THYME™ is positioned to serve a wide variety of high-value crops, including grapes, tomatoes, berries, cherries, apples, and almonds. Its formulation is OMRI-listed, qualifies for organic use, and can be applied up to the day of harvest, ensuring flexibility for growers and safety for consumers.

In terms of field efficiency, a 2.5-gallon jug of FUN-THYME™ provides coverage for up to 20 acres. The product is free from petrochemicals, synthetic solvents, and microplastics, aligning with the agricultural industry’s increasing focus on sustainability and reducing chemical residues in the environment.

FUN-THYME™ is the first commercial product to feature AgroSpheres’ AgriCell® platform, which the company developed to stabilize and deliver volatile or unstable natural ingredients more effectively. The platform opens new possibilities for formulating next-generation biological inputs that meet both regulatory and agronomic standards without compromising performance.

AgroSpheres has positioned this launch as part of a broader strategy to accelerate the development of precision biologicals and address the rising global demand for bio-based crop protection alternatives. As regulatory frameworks tighten around synthetic inputs and consumer preference shifts toward clean-label agricultural products, the role of technology-driven biologicals is set to expand.

“With FUN-THYME™, we’re setting a new benchmark for what growers can expect from biofungicides—not only in terms of efficacy, but in usability, safety, and environmental alignment,” added Pourtaheri. “This is just the beginning of what AgriCell® technology will enable for agriculture globally.”

About AgroSpheres:

Headquartered in Charlottesville, Virginia, AgroSpheres is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision biologicals for agriculture. Its AgriCell® platform enables the next generation of sustainable crop protection products by improving the stability, delivery, and efficacy of biologically active ingredients. AgroSpheres is committed to advancing a cleaner, safer, and more productive food system through innovative science and partnerships.

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