Precision Pollination for Strawberries with Drones

A new initiative focuses on drone technology to improve pollination in UK strawberry crops, enhancing food security.

A project titled “Precision Pollination for Higher Strawberry Productivity and Quality” is exploring how drones can help improve strawberry yields and fruit quality in the UK. The initiative brings together expertise from the UK Agri-Tech Centre, Angus Soft Fruits, and Polybee, with funding from Innovate UK.

The project’s goal is to address challenges in strawberry pollination, particularly in controlled environments such as polytunnels and glasshouses, where natural pollination is less effective. This effort aims to increase crop yields and improve fruit quality, which is crucial for strawberry growers and retailers.

Improving Strawberry Production with Drone Technology

Strawberries are a significant crop in the UK, valued at £377 million in 2022, making up over 30% of the total UK fruit value (Defra, 2023). However, achieving high yields of quality fruit is dependent on successful pollination. Under-protected growing environments, natural pollination methods can sometimes fall short due to weather conditions or the stage of the crop’s development. These shortcomings can result in economic losses through reduced yields and lower fruit quality.

The project will test the use of drones developed by Singapore-based Polybee to assist in pollinating strawberry flowers. The drones move pollen by creating small changes in airflow, helping flowers to pollinate more effectively. This is especially important during critical periods when poor pollination can lead to lower yields and affect the profitability of the crop.

By improving pollination, the initiative aims to increase the amount of Class 1 and premium-tier strawberries, which are in high demand by retailers. The project could also help extend the UK strawberry production season, providing benefits to growers and consumers alike.

Industry Collaboration and Expertise

The project brings together agricultural technology specialists and strawberry growers. Katie Clark, Project Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative. “As the Project Manager for ‘Precision Pollination for Higher Strawberry Productivity and Quality,’ I am thrilled to be involved in this pioneering initiative that brings together expertise from across the global agri-tech sector and the UK soft fruit industry.”

Clark emphasized the importance of combining drone technology with agricultural expertise to address the unique challenges faced by growers in protected environments. “By combining cutting-edge drone solutions with the knowledge of leading growers and agri-tech specialists, we aim to drive meaningful advancements in food security and sustainability for the UK and beyond.”

Lucy Wilkins, Breeding Programme Director at Angus Soft Fruits, highlighted the potential benefits of integrating drone technology alongside traditional pollination methods. “Enhancing pollination by integrating advanced technology alongside bumblebees promises significant benefits for our growers, ultimately improving yields of Class 1 and premium-tier strawberries.”

This collaboration aims to provide significant improvements in both fruit quality and overall yield, with benefits extending to marketing groups and retail customers through the increased availability of high-quality fruit.

For more information on the UK Agri-Tech Centre and its initiatives, visit www.ukagritechcentre.com.

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