Safe, effective fungicides against fruit pathogens

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project proposes to develop formulations of natural fatty and organic acids as alternatives to traditional fungicides for the control of diseases in fruits such as grapes, blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. In the course of this project, the efficacy of these formulations as pre-harvest and post-harvest treatments for disease control in a number of fruits will be determined. Replicated trials will be conducted in the laboratory and on commercial and university farms. The follow on Phase II project will incorporate more extensive field testing to determine efficacy against a wider range of pathogens under various climatic conditions. The commercial application of this project is in the area of agriculture.