Company helps fight against crop disease by using bees to deliver pesticides

Canadian firm, Bee Vectoring Technology, is developing a system for delivering biopesticides to crops which could see bees replacing sprayers. The method uses a specially designed tray placed within hives, which coats the bees in a biopesticide power. The bees then carry the powder to the plant and inoculate it. The system is already being used on crops of strawberries and blueberries. Successful trials could see a commercialised system being used to manage sclerotinia in oilseed rape within the next two years. The powder, also developed by the company, contains a naturally occurring beneficial fungus and uses no water. Trials in sunflowers with the same disease also showed a 25% increase in yields.

A Canadian firm is developing a novel way of delivering biopesticides to crops, which could soon see bees replacing sprayers in managing sclerotinia in oilseed rape.

Bee Vectoring Technology hopes to commercialise a system for oilseed rape in the next two years, buoyed by successful trials in sunflowers.

The company, based near Toronto, has spent several years developing and commercialising a system based on bumblebees, which is already being used in crops such as strawberries and blueberries.

Hives contain a specially designed tray that results in the bees becoming coated in the biopesticide powder when they leave, explained CEO Michael Collinson.

See also: EU scientists review neonic pesticides linked to poor bee health

“They carry the powder to the flower, leaving behind a sprinkling that inoculates the plant.”

The powder, also developed by the company, contains a naturally occurring beneficial fungus that helps stops disease developing in the plants. The firm highlights that it is much more targeted, using only 12.3g/ha (5g/acre) and no water.

Trial data

Speaking to Farmers Weekly, Mr Collinson said: “At this time, we don’t have a lot of data with canola as this specific trial had to be cancelled due to a major hail storm.

“However, trials in sunflowers with the same disease were highly successful. There was a 27% higher germination rate in seeds and more than 25% increase in yields.

“The data showed a significant benefit – in fact they were the best results in any crop.”

“And the reason for opting for bumblebees instead of other pollinators is that that they will fly in colder temperatures and poorer weather,” said the firm.

“Bumblebees can visit up to 10 flowers a minute and can easily be managed.”

Mr Collinson said it will take about 24 months to be fully commercialised for use in oilseed rape.

Last October, the firm opened a new production and research facility, giving it the ability to manufacture up to $100m (£69m) worth of products each year.