Pollination Successful fruit set is essential in many horticultural and agricultural crops . Pollination, the key to fruit setting, is usually carried out by insects, animals, or by mechanical means . Historically, honeybees have been considered to be the best pollinators of agricultural and horticultural crops . However, in the late 80’s it was discovered that bumblebees are far more effective than honeybees under many conditions . Bumblebees can be used effectively for the pollination of a variety of protected and open field crops . Why bumblebees? • Bumblebees are highly effective in pollinating crops in glasshouses/greenhouses, polytunnels and outdoor crops • Bumblebees are less sensitive to low temperatures and low light intensity • Bumblebees are more inclined to stay in the crop and they visit more flowers per minute • Bumblebees are more inclined to work in adverse weather conditions • Bumblebees are non-swarming and less aggressive • Bumblebees do buzz pollination Products Koppert delivers different Bombus species that are indigenous to the area where they are applied • Bombus terrestris • Bombus canariensis • Bombus impatiens • Bombus ignitus Natupol is available in different types: • Depending on surface and crop • With or without insulation • Potential effective period varies per type Natupol • Natupol is perfect for a wide range of crops, grown on surfaces bigger than 2000 m² and with approximately 25-35 flowers per m² per week (for example round and plum tomatoes) • Active workers, viable queen, developing brood • Packaging: cardboard box • Target: tomato, eggplant, sweet pepper Natupol Smart • Used in smaller greenhouses up to 1000 m² or tunnels . Alternatively, in bigger size greenhouse with crops that have less then 25 flowers per m², such as beef tomato, melon or various seeds crops . • Active workers, viable queen, developing brood • Packaging: cardboard box • Target: beef, cherry, round tomatoes, peppers and eggplants Natupol Excel • Natupol Excel is specially developed for crops with a high amount of flowers per m² and is well suited for crops with 35-60 or more blossoms per m² per week • Active workers, viable queen, developing brood • Packaging: cardboard box • Target: cherry or snack tomatoes, (straw)berries and for crops grown under artificial light or in warmer environment ‘ We believe blindly in Koppert’s hives, we can trust that once we open them in the greenhouse we will have pollination and fruit set granted.’ Antonio Gutiérrez Soto, Tomato grower, Spain 30
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