Agri-Nova Technology is launching a novel pheromone- based product, Pollinus, that will enhance and improve the performance of bees as crop pollinators. Based on a blend of four attractant pheromones, Pollinus is sprayed onto target crops by growers at the start of flowering and will attract honey bees and bumble bees into the crop and so improve pollination, essential for seed and fruit set in many fruit and vegetable crops.
"Beekeepers and their commercial farming partners could do with some good news and the launch of Pollinus that will make the most of bee performance as pollinators could well help lift their collective spirits," says Clive Newitt of Agri-Nova Technology.
Mr. Newitt points out that Pollinus can be beneficial to growers of a wide range of crops that require pollination by bees. "The list of crops that could benefit from better pollination starts with brassica vegetables, mustard, borage, other herbs, field beans, broad beans and runner beans. On the fruit side the list includes top fruit including apples, pears, plums and cherries and soft fruit including raspberries, strawberries, loganberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants and blackberries. Both field and protected crops can benefit."
He explains that pollination by bees is an essential crop management practice in many crops. "It is estimated that over one third of our food crops worldwide rely on pollination by insects, with bees providing 70% of this. Without effective pollination we could face lower production and higher food costs. But UK beekeepers have had a tough few years, with significant declines in populations due to a number of external pressures including Varroa mite, inclement weather and possibly insecticide impact. Commercial beekeepers want to provide the best service they can to the many growers who rely on bees for pollination of their crops. Growers want to improve the return they can get from bee pollinators. What Pollinus will do is to attract the bees that are active into the treated crop and so improve that return. It is particularly beneficial in cooler conditions by encouraging foraging."
"The social life of bees is ruled and regulated by pheromones and bee activity is influenced by these pheromones as well as other visual and olfactory stimuli. Pollinus reproduces natural attractants which will attract exploring bees and pollen gathering bees that could otherwise be attracted to other crops with more attractive nectar. Treating crops with Pollinus helps to ensure that the best pollination is achieved in the best possible conditions."
He explains that growers apply Pollinus to their crops at the beginning of flowering, with a second spray when 50% of flowers have opened, usually around ten days later. "Pollinus is formulated as a 450 g/l liquid formulation containing 4 non-toxic semio-chemical ingredients or pheromones. Its recommendation is to apply 1 litre per hectare of Pollinus in 400-600 litres of water using a high pressure sprayer. The first spray must take place at the start of flowering. If possible this first treatment should take place the day following the installation of beehives in the field. Best results will occur when Pollinus is applied in the early morning during fine weather."
"Although new to the UK, Pollinus has been used successfully in France, Spain and Italy. Manufactured and developed by Natural Plant Protection from Pau, in France, a wholly owned subsidiary of Arysta Lifesciences, one of the top 10 global crop protection companies, the product has shown consistent benefits to growers of a wide range of pollination sensitive crops. I am sure that many UK growers who are looking to perk up their pollinators will find Pollinus a fantastic new product that will improve their returns," says Clive Newitt.
For 2009 growers can purchase Pollinus directly from Agri Nova Technology , The Barn, Audley End Business Centre, London Road, Wendens Ambo, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 4JL (Tel- 01790 542289, Fax 05600 756945) or via the web site www.agri-nova.biz
