All-natural fungicides for global produce growers moving ahead after replacing synthetic products

Akorn Technology, Inc. announced today it has been awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Phase IIB Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to advance groundbreaking plant-based edible coatings for fresh produce. This next-generation solution will enable the first commercial post-harvest application of essential oils combined with other natural plant extracts to control devastating plant pathogens without synthetic fungicides.

By combining natural antimicrobial agents with proprietary upcycled plant protein technology, Akorn will deliver a safe, sustainable, and highly effective solution that extends shelf life, reduces food waste, and improves food safety. The technology has broad applicability for many high-value crops including mangos, avocados, sweet potatoes, citrus, and other produce affected by common diseases such as anthracnose, stem end rot, and blue and green mold.

Common chemical fungicides frequently lead to the development of resistant strains of pathogens, forcing growers to use higher doses or switch to new chemicals. This vicious circle frequently ends with producers getting shut out of major markets due to poor quality or Maximum Residual Limit (MRL) breeches.  Akorn’s formulation, by contrast, contains a broad range of plant-derived active compounds that work in synergy, making it far more difficult for resistance to develop and helping break this costly and unsustainable cycle.

“Our mission has always been to tackle the global challenge of food waste with sustainable, science-based solutions,” said Anthony Zografos, CEO of Akorn Technology. “This NSF award is both a recognition of our progress and a critical boost to our efforts to replace harmful synthetic fungicides with safe, natural alternatives. We’re bringing together the best of nature and science to protect fresh fruits and vegetables from farm to table.”