Biobest has received the Bernard Blum Award for ‘the Best Innovative Product Assisting Uptake of Biocontrol,’ in recognition of Trap-Eye™ - its new sticky trap monitoring system, employing AI to make IPM scouting automated, accurate, fast, and affordable.
Saving labour while optimising accurate data collection. Trap-Eye employs a web-based dashboard to provide growers and Biobest advisors with a full overview of the pest situation in the greenhouse from anywhere, at any time.
“This industry-led prestigious award gives Biobest recognition in a new field of activity as an Agtech innovator,” explains Sam Gui, Biobest market development manager high tech IPM.
“Initially, the company established itself as a ground-breaking bumblebee producer and then as an innovative biocontrol producer, continuously developing novel crop protection solutions to help customers grow in a sustainable way. This award now recognises Biobest’s contribution in the field of technology and digital tools for the global sustainable production of high-value crops.”
Developed in collaboration with PATS, the solar powered, fully automated Trap-Eye™ system devices take pictures of sticky traps and use AI to identify and count the most common flying pests, as well as beneficials such as Macrolophus.
“Set to become an essential tool for scouting sticky traps in greenhouses, Trap-Eye™ aids the digitalisation of data,” says Sam. “Good IPM decisions follow data-driven advice.”
“Rather than full field treatments, by generating accurate heat maps pinpointing pest hotspots, growers can concentrate introductions of beneficials appropriately and greatly improve IPM performance. Also, by helping to control pests earlier, Trap-Eye helps growers minimize production losses while reducing the need for chemical insecticides.”
“Earlier this year, Trap-Eye received the grower-led GreenTech Innovation Award. With this Bernard Blum Award, our ground-breaking system has now won industry recognition from the International Biocontrol Manufacturers’ Association (IBMA).”
“Putting Biobest firmly on the Agtech map, this new high-tech system will reduce scouting hours and therefore labor requirements,” says Sam. “By improving the data precision, it enhances the quality of the data. Coupled with the fact that Trap-Eye can deliver significantly more data, our ground-breaking new system will help facilitate improved IPM decision-making. Ultimately, Trap-Eye helps reduce labor costs while maximizing crop yields and quality – delivering a good return on investment for growers.”
