Biobest's Flying Doctors concept now also usable to enhance pollination

Biobest’s new system for delivering plant protection without costly chemical spraying is already proving successful, generating worldwide interest and attracting swarms at this year’s Fruit Logistica in Berlin. The patented Flying Doctors concept uses bumblebees to deliver prescription biocontrol directly to flowers, as an ingenious way to fight major crop diseases such as grey mould in strawberries and other soft fruit. As they leave the hive, our bees walk through a tray of Verdera B4, a specially-formulated microbial fungicide that has proven as effective as a full-range chemical programme to control grey mould. The preparation clings to their legs and body, so they deliver this “medicine” directly to each flower they visit.

But now the concept’s versatility is in the spotlight. The patented dispenser system can also be used to enhance pollination. By placing commercially available pollen in the tray, instead of the microbial fungicide/insecticide, growers can significantly improve the efficacy of pollination in crops where commercially available pollen is applied by labour-intensive spraying or dusting. Fruit crops worldwide, including apples, almonds, kiwi, and cherries can reap the benefits. It’s simple, sustainable and labour-saving. Just replace the pollen in the tray once it is depleted (every 3-4 days) by another filling of 8-10 grams of pollen for best results. And as the targeted pollen delivery means you save 80-90 percent on your pollen bills, what’s not to like?

Biobest has already applied the Flying Doctors® concept successfully in Belgian greenhouse trials. Now we’re taking the system to the open field. Early results look promising, and the buzz just keeps getting better. With Biobest’s Flying Doctors®, innovation is in the air.

For more information:
Biobest N.V.
Ilse Velden 18
2260 Westerlo - Belgium
T +32 14 25 79 80
F +32 14 25 79 82
www.biobest.be
[email protected]