A new project, "Precision Pollination for Higher Strawberry Productivity and Quality," is underway in the UK, focusing on the application of drone technology to enhance pollination processes in strawberry crops. This collaboration involves the UK Agri-Tech Centre, Angus Soft Fruits, and Polybee, with support from Innovate UK, aiming to tackle pollination challenges within controlled environments like polytunnels and glasshouses.
Strawberries, a crop valued at £377 million in 2022, play a substantial role in the UK's fruit sector. However, the effectiveness of natural pollination methods can be limited under certain conditions, leading to potential economic impacts from decreased yields and fruit quality. The initiative tests drones by Polybee that facilitate pollen movement through air flow changes, targeting improvements in pollination efficiency during critical growth stages.
The project's objectives include elevating the quantity of Class 1 and premium strawberries to meet retailer demand and possibly extending the strawberry production season. This effort represents a convergence of agricultural technology and expertise aimed at bolstering food security and sustainability within the UK's soft fruit industry.
Katie Clark, Project Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, and Lucy Wilkins, Breeding Programme Director at Angus Soft Fruits, have both expressed their support for the initiative. They highlight the potential of drone technology to complement traditional pollination methods, enhancing both the yield and quality of strawberries. This collaborative approach seeks to deliver tangible improvements for growers, marketing groups, and retail customers through the availability of superior fruit.
Source: Drone Life