Page 18 - AWA VOL.41-NO.7

Food proCessiNg

All-natural fungicides for global produce growers moving

ahead after replacing synthetic products
Akorn Technology, Inc. announced protect fresh fruits and vegetables from
it has been awarded a prestigious Na- farm to table.”
tional Science Foundation (NSF) Phase The award aligns with growing de-
IIB Small Business Innovation Research mand from governments, industry, and
(SBIR) grant to advance groundbreak- consumers worldwide to remove harm-
ing plant-based edible coatings for ful chemicals from foods. “This research
fresh produce. This next-generation directly supports that goal,” Zogra-
solution will enable the first commercial fos added. “By reducing post-harvest
post-harvest application of essential losses and eliminating toxic residues,
oils combined with other natural plant we can make a meaningful contribution
extracts to control devastating plant to public health, environmental sus-
pathogens without synthetic fungicides. shut out of major markets due to poor tainability, and the global food supply
By combining natural antimicrobial quality or Maximum Residual Limit chain.”
agents with proprietary upcycled plant (MRL) breeches. Akorn’s formulation, Xander Shapiro, Chief Commercial Of-
protein technology, Akorn will deliver by contrast, contains a broad range of ficer of Akorn, emphasized the market
a safe, sustainable, and highly effective plant-derived active compounds that opportunity: “We are inviting interested
solution that extends shelf life, reduces work in synergy, making it far more growers to contact us now and secure
food waste, and improves food safety. difficult for resistance to develop and a place in our first round of commer-
The technology has broad applicabil- helping break this costly and unsustain- cial trials, starting in Q4, 2025. This is
ity for many high-value crops includ- able cycle. a chance to be at the forefront of an
ing mangos, avocados, sweet potatoes, “Our mission has always been to agricultural breakthrough that will im-
citrus, and other produce affected by tackle the global challenge of food prove product quality, meet consumer
common diseases such as anthracnose, waste with sustainable, science-based demand for clean-label produce, and
stem end rot, and blue and green mold. solutions,” said Anthony Zografos, CEO open doors to premium export mar-
Common chemical fungicides fre- of Akorn Technology. “This NSF award is kets.”
quently lead to the development of both a recognition of our progress and The announcement marks the fourth
resistant strains of pathogens, forcing a critical boost to our efforts to replace consecutive NSF grant awarded to
growers to use higher doses or switch harmful synthetic fungicides with safe, Akorn to develop and launch its plat-
to new chemicals. This vicious circle natural alternatives. We’re bringing to- form of all-natural, highly effective
frequently ends with producers getting gether the best of nature and science to post-harvest solutions. Circle 18 on enquiry card

Biobest and Bogaerts improve entomatic™

Biobest, the exclusive distributor of Entomatic™, and Bogaerts
greenhouse logistics are jointly launching the Plug In - enabling
growers to seamlessly connect Entomatic™ to the Qii-Jet TAV
spraying robot. The Plug In includes electrical and mechanical
modifications to facilitate smooth integration of both systems.
An automated dispenser, Entomatic™ delivers accurate and
even distribution of beneficial insects across the crop. A modu-
lar system – comprising a dosing unit, control panel and blow-
ers – it is often mounted on the pipe rail trolley in greenhouses.
Thanks to the new Plug In, the Entomatic™ and the Qii-Jet TAV
work smoothly together.
Mount on new or existing trolleys
While Bogaerts can mount the Plug In onto existing Qii-Jet
systems, new systems can be ordered with it already included.
The Plug In features hardware modifications for cabling and a
software tool that integrates control of the trolley and the dos-
ing unit. Growers can now operate both the trolley and the En- Save time and boost application
tomatic™ dispenser using a single control panel.
“The two companies will continue to collaborate,” says Sam “With the new Plug In, using Entomatic™ is now as simple as
Gui, development manager for high tech IPM at Biobest. “Our other spraying systems,” says Sam. “Improving the compati-
customers often face the same challenges. By combining exper- bility of the two systems saves time, improves application and
tise, we will develop practical solutions that simplify operational enhances sustainable crop protection for growers. This collab-
management for growers - the Plug In is just a taste of what’s to oration allows us to effectively support growers to invest in a
come." sustainable future for horticulture.” Circle 19 on enquiry card
16 Vol. 41 No. 7