Tips for optimal bumblebee pollination

Without good pollination, realizing maximum yields is difficult. This criterion applies to every grower. At Looije Tomatoes, a Dutch producer of the exclusive Honey Tomatoes, things are no different. The company started working with Koppert in 2014, taking a closer look at bumble bees, crop protection and innovation.

"Within a few months, pollination was brought to the desired level," says Teddy Hriskova. The Bulgarian horticultural expert, together with her colleague Bas Oudshoorn, is responsible for crop protection at the 18-hectare greenhouse of Looije Tomatoes in Burgerveen. Teddy Hriskova leads a department of 9 hectares with conventional cultivation. The equal division of Bas Oudshoorn is semi-closed. Last winter, together with specialists from Koppert, they solved a number of issues in regard to pollination. Firstly, there was only moderate pollination in the darkest period of the year. In this period, bumblebee pollination was low, and had to be aided by tapping the wires. A lot of work and a waste of time.

Difficult to navigate
Another factor was that the bees found it difficult to navigate by the lack of light, resulting in the brood getting insufficient amounts of food.

Teddy Hriskova: “By moving the nesting boxes we were able to tackle the problem. The bees had more light by which to navigate. We also increased the number of bees per hectare. Both measures worked. The problem became noticeably smaller."

Cultivation and fertilization
Another problem stemmed from the lamps. At the branch in Burgerveen, the lamps are turned on at midnight and off at five o’clock in the afternoon. Flowers close about 12 hours after they receive the first light: that’s noon. However, the nesting boxes will open at 10:00. If it is still dark (less than 30W per square meter), the bumblebees won’t swarm (yet). Which leaves them with too little time. By offering pollen, bumblebees can now also collect food after 12:00. On the advice of Koppert, the screening was adapted to pollination. Bas Oudshoorn: "The colleagues responsible for growing and the screening now consult with us. Together we look at what is best for both the cultivation and the pollination, leading to a decent compromise."

Pollination at desired level
By placing a blue sticker under the entrances, bees were able to find them even faster. Teddy Hriskova: "All in all, Koppert and Looije Tomatoes exchanged a lot of knowledge and experience, leading to the pollination being brought to the desired level very quickly.”

Partners in innovation
The two crop protection specialists emphasize the importance of good pollination for Looije Tomatoes. Bas Oudshoorn: "Our products are very exclusive and go to demanding customers. We can’t afford to deliver substandard produce.” The main reason to work with Koppert was the company’s expertise, says Teddy Hriskova. "Koppert not only offered their knowledge, but their enduring commitment as well. Working with Looije Tomatoes allows them to do tests and research, resulting in a partnership that is mutually beneficent.”

More information:
Koppert Biological Systems
Veilingweg 14
2651 BE Berkel en Rodenrijs
Tel: 010-5140444010-5140444
Fax: 010-5115203
www.koppert.com