Cutting-edge pollination technology will be used in a new pilot study that could transform the way Britain's fruit growers boost yield, quality and sustainability. Fresh produce firm Dole UK and agri-tech specialist AgriSound have launched the UK study exploring how pollination monitoring can drive more sustainable and productive fruit production.
The collaborative project marks a major step forward in data-driven agricultural research and aims to transform how fruit producers optimise yield, quality, and environmental impact through advanced insights into pollination.
The pilot study began in April 2025 at Dole's Charlton site in Langley, Kent and will assess the impact of IYRIS SecondSky thermal reduction polytunnel covers on tunnel microclimates and bumblebee behaviour, in comparison with standard industry materials.
AgriSound's Polly™ sensors will collect real-time pollinator activity data throughout the study, enabling researchers to precisely quantify the effects of microclimate changes on pollination — and how these, in turn, influence fruit outcomes.
Read more at Farming UK