Marine macroalgae-based biodisinfectant for pre- and post-harvest berry pathogen control
A bio-disinfectant formulated from marine macroalgae extracts that reduces environmental loads of key phytopathogens and controls rot in blueberries, cherries, and grapes without altering fruit taste or quality. Lab-validated effective concentrations and packinghouse trials support field deployment and commercialization.
Overview
This solution is a bio-disinfectant derived from marine macroalgae extracts designed to control pre- and post-harvest phytopathogens in berries. It targets major pathogens responsible for fruit rot and spoilage, including Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Pseudomonas syringae. The product has been shown to significantly reduce fruit rot in cherries, blueberries, and grapes while preserving the organoleptic characteristics (taste, texture, aroma, appearance) of the treated fruit. By replacing or supplementing conventional chemical disinfectants, it offers the agri-food industry a more sustainable approach to reducing post-harvest losses and improving produce quality.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Formulated from extracts of marine macroalgae, providing a biologically based alternative to synthetic fungicides
- Effective concentrations (EC50 and EC90) established against Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Pseudomonas syringae
- Validated safety profile alongside demonstrated efficacy
- Applied via nebulization, generating droplets of 5 to 50 microns that diffuse as a fine mist for uniform surface coverage
- Compatible with packinghouse environments and existing application infrastructure
- No detectable alteration to the organoleptic characteristics of blueberries, cherries, or grapes
Validation approach:
- Environmental load measured before and after application using AirTest Omega equipment
- Fruit samples assessed for percentage of rot and organoleptic quality
- Statistical analysis includes F-tests for variance comparison and Tukey tests at 95% confidence for mean separation
Technology readiness level
The biodisinfectant has completed laboratory validation, including determination of effective concentrations and confirmation of safety. Packinghouse trials have demonstrated significant reductions in fruit rot and environmental pathogen load across three berry types. The current stage focuses on field validation in pre- and post-harvest settings, along with the development of scaling and commercialization strategies to advance the product toward productive application in the agri-food industry.
About University of Concepción
University of Concepción is a comprehensive research university serving southern Chile through campuses in Concepción, Chillán, and Los Ángeles. Industry engages through a research and technology park that co‑locates companies with faculty groups, a business incubator that supports venture formation, and contract research units equipped for prototyping and validation. The university’s position in the Biobío region—Chile’s major logistics and manufacturing hub with direct access to deep‑water ports—enables efficient pilots, field trials, and supply‑chain collaboration. Research is supported by Chilean national research and innovation agencies and competitive international sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and streamlined industry agreements, with established pathways for contract research and spinouts.
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