NL: Intensified blueberry production requires more pollination

Koppert's pollination experts have started trials in blueberry fields to measure how intensified production methods require greater numbers of bumblebees for better yields and quality berries. Trial previews expect a potential increase in yield of 10% to 25%.

Keeping abreast of the latest developments in blueberry cultivation, trials are currently being conducted to determine which blueberry production benefits from the introduction of a higher density of bumblebee hives in the field. The research being carried out with growers at two locations in the Netherlands comes in response to new blueberry cultivars that bear a greater number of flowers, and an emerging trend to grow a greater number of trees per hectare.

Early trial observations show that the intensified production methods result in up to 30% to 50% more flowers being pollinated when compared to traditional varieties. The density of the blueberry trees per hectare has also increased by 35 % over the past 5 to 10 years.

Trials soon underway in UK and Poland
Koppert's pollination consultant, Remco Huvermann, explains that the trials being conducted in blueberry fields in different locations around the world hope to visualize the impact of a higher density and activity of bumblebees in the crop when compared to traditional practices. "The final results are only expected in June, at the end of the harvest season this year, but early observations indicate a corresponding increase in yield when greater numbers of bumblebees are used."

Bumblebees have a unique pollination technique called 'buzz' pollination during which the flower is vibrated to transfer pollen to the stigma. "Bumblebees are unique in this way and have the added advantage over honeybees of being active at colder temperatures. Blueberry blossoms very early in the year when nights can be cold, so this is a great advantage," Huvermann points out.

Trial aims
The trials will eventually be conducted at different data points in two countries to measure the bumblebees' activity in the field. The number of flowers per tree will be counted and the total berry weight measured following the harvest at the end of this season. "The trials using a high bumblebee count, will then be compared with the control trial using the standard dose of bumblebees."

"We hope to gather better insight into the impact of more bumblebees in the crop on both the yield and quality of blueberries through these trials and be in a position to demonstrate the growers' return on investment," Huvermann concludes.