Extended Release Delivery of Volatile Essential Oils to Control Fungal Pests Post-Harvest

Abstract/SummaryEach year in the United States nearly half of all fruits and vegetables grown will go towaste. Crop loss is an especially pressing issue for berry growers where short postharvest shelf- life due to fungal infection plagues the industry. Despite these challenges consumer demand forberries has grown steadily over the past decades to an annual market value of $7.1 billion. Thisproject seeks to facilitate to commercialization of an antifungal clamshell insert capable of slowingthe growth of fungus to increase berry shelf-life. The proprietary insert technology offerscontrolled release of antifungal actives derived from organic essential oils thereby effectivelyinhibiting fungal growth. This project targets continual product improvement a focus onsustainable packaging and third-party verification of efficacy.At the conclusion of Phase II and the start of Phase III Hazel Technologies Inc. will beequipped with a sustainable antifungal clamshell insert capable of extending the shelf-life ofvarious berries as well as the logistics to produce these pads at scale. The work will demonstratethe utility of organic essential oils to prevent fungal growth in a postharvest context for berries andact as a platform antifungal technology for other fruits. Finally this award will support third-partytesting of the technology at commercially relevant scales under both academic and commercialsupply chain conditions which will provide confidence and results for our product with potentialcustomers.