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Strawberry pollination with Koppert bumblebees - NFFC
How to use Natupol Excel from Koppert

Natupol Excel

  • Bombus terrestris
  • Bumblebees
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Find out compatibility

  • For protected crops producing a high amount of flowers and for crops grown under artificial light

  • Enhanced activity due to extra sugar water and ventilation

  • With UV Beevision print and blue Beehome door

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  • Use for
  • Product details
  • Downloads
  • Directions for use

Use for

Natupol Excel is developed for crops with a high amount of flowers per m² (35-60 flowers) per week, and for crops grown under artificial light or in warmer environments.

Crops

Crops with >35 flowers/m2/week, such as cherry tomatoes and snack tomatoes, (straw)berries.

"The general conditions of Koppert (Koppert B.V. and/or of its affiliated companies) apply. Only use products that are permitted in your country/state and crop. Always comply with the conditions specified in local product registrations. Koppert cannot be held liable for unauthorized use. Koppert is not liable for any loss of quality if the product is stored for longer than recommended and/or under incorrect conditions."

Product details

Mode of action

After introduction of the hive, worker bumblebees start pollinating the flowers while at the same time collecting pollen to feed the brood. More workers emerge from the brood in the weeks after the introduction, increasing both colony size and pollination performance. After some weeks the colony will reach its maximum size and starts declining in size and pollination activity. Colony development depends on environmental conditions and the amount and quality of pollen.

Product specifications

Presentation

One large colony of bumblebees including a queen, workers, brood and sugar water.

Downloads

Downloads

Directions for use

Application

  • Place the hive on a horizontal platform (avoid inclination, otherwise sugar water may leak)
  • Position the hive about 20-60 cm above the ground in the shade of the crop or if necessary provide additional shading
  • Under short day conditions (<10 hours light) position the hive near the top of plants, in such a way that the hive is exposed to the first daylight
  • Wait for at least 15 minutes after positioning the hive before opening the hive entrance, this allows the bumblebees to calm down
  • Pull the blue sliding door of the hive upward until two openings become visible (entrance and exit). Do not remove the small grey door under the lid
  • Pollination performance and duration varies per crop and depends on environmental conditions. Always consult a Koppert advisor or a recognized distributor of Koppert products for advice on the best strategy for your situation

Environmental conditions

Natupol Excel performs best at ambient temperatures between 12-30°C. Pay attention to advice for best practice under conditions with artificial light or in hot environments.

Storage time after receipt

To guarantee the best pollination results, start using the hive on the day of arrival. If necessary hives can be stored for maximum 1 day.

Storage temperature

15–25°C.

Storage conditions

Keep hives in a well ventilated environment, out of direct sunlight.

Hygiene

  • Never move a hive from one greenhouse to another
  • Remove bumblebee hives the latest 10 weeks after introduction
  • Clean the hive stand before placing new hives

Disposal

After the pollination cycle, once there is no life in the bumblebee colonies, the ‘Beehome’ system should be closed. Remove the plastic liner and the sugar water tank from the hive, then place the liner back inside. Seal the entire hive in a plastic bag, remove it from the crop area, and dispose of the sealed bag and sugar water tank in accordance with local waste disposal regulations.

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