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NATUPOL EXCEL
NATUPOL EXCEL
NATUPOL EXCEL

Use Natupol Excel for
Pollination of crops with a high amount of flowers per m2, crops grown under artificial light and in warmer climates.
 
Natupol Excel is especially developed for crops with a high amount of flowers per m2 (35-60 flowers) per week, such as cherry or snack tomatoes, (straw) berries and for crops grown under artificial light or in warmer environments.
 
Duration: 8 - 10 weeks
Workers: 80 – 100
 
How does Natupol Excel work
After their release, worker bumblebees will start pollinating the crop. They are supported by more workers born in the weeks after their introduction. Natupol Excel contains a larger volume of sugar water, adjusted to the needs of the crop. This increases the overall pollination potential and gives the bumblebees more energy to control their own microclimate. The hive also houses a larger colony and thus requires more cooling. Therefore the ventilation openings are modified to improve ventilation. Screens in the ventilation openings prevent insects from entering the hive.
 
The improved visibility of the hives (Beevision) among the crop is based on the way bumblebees see. Bumblebees now easily find the hive, fewer bumblebees get lost in the greenhouse and pollination improves.

How to use Natupol Excel
Application Natupol Excel
  • Distribute the Natupol hives evenly along the main path of the greenhouse
  • Place the colonies on a horizontal platform (avoid inclination, otherwise sugar water may leak)
  • During summer; Position the hive about 20 - 60 cm above the ground on the south-side of a path to obtain maximum shade from the crop. If needed, provide additional shading.
  • During winter; Position the hive near the top of the plants on the north side of the main path. Ensure that the hive is exposed to the first daylight.
  • Wait at least for 15 minutes after positioning the hives before opening the hive entrance, this allows the bumblebee colonies to calm down.

Best working conditions Natupol Excel Natupol
Excel performs best at an ambient temperature of between 10-30°C.
 
Handling
  • Every hive contains food in order to keep the bumblebees in good condition during transport and storage.
  • To guarantee the best pollination results, start using the hive on the day of arrival.
  • Start using the hive no later than one day after arrival.
  • Maintain the bumblebees at a temperature of between 15 - 25°C.
  • Avoid direct sunlight on the hive.
Use and Hygiene
  • Never move a hive from one greenhouse to another 
  • Prevent bumblebees from leaving the greenhouse
  • Remove bumblebee hive 6 - 8 weeks after introduction
  • Clean the hive stand before placing new hives
  • Seal old hives into plastic bags and dispose them according to local legislation.
Special points of attention
  • Make sure the hives and the entrances are well visible, so the bumblebees easily find their way home.
  • Place no more than two hives next to or close to each other. To reduce drift of bumblebees, make sure each hive entrance points into a different direction.
  • Please note that direct sunlight on the hive can increase the internal hive temperature with 5 - 15°C. It is important to provide shade in warm conditions.
  • Make sure ants cannot reach the sugar water of the hive by making a barrier of grease or insect glue. Also avoid contact between plants and the hive, so that ants cannot reach the hive.
  • Avoid colonies to be placed in the direct surrounding of the CO2 supply, or in other locations where CO2 can reach high levels (over 2500 ppm).
Side effects
Bumblebees are sensitive to several chemicals. Remove the hives from the crop before applying harmful pesticides. However, the hives should never be left out of cultivation for more than two days, as the colony will starve and the larvae will die due to lack of pollen. More information on the side effects of plant protection products and the measures to be taken can be found here