Olombria, a UK agtech startup, have partnered with the UK’s largest fruit growers to ensure that the volume and traditional quality of strawberries and cream at Wimbledon remain high. Their Integrated Pest and Pollination Management (IPPM) approach has proven to enhance the yield of insect-pollinated crops.
Due to the diminishing numbers of bees, Olombria has taken a different approach to pollination. They raise a combination species of hoverflies which are more efficient pollinators in modern farming scenarios. This is achieved through the use of advanced AI vision systems and natural semiochemical lures to encourage the hoverflies to the right part of the crop at the right time.
Tashia Tucker, CEO and Founder of Olombria, said: “We are delighted to work closely with progressive organisations like Berry Gardens to show how nature can be empowered by new technology to enhance natural growing environments without the use of chemical sprays and to deliver the best fruit possible. Our combination of skills in AI, semiochemical lures, and insect rearing and release, places us in a unique position to support growers around the world.”
The IPPM approach has resulted in a 20% increase in strawberry yields and a 56% increase in raspberry yields. It also eliminates the continuous threat of aphid infestations and provides horticultural growers with data on pest and pollination performance as well as environmental conditions.
UK agtech startup Olombria have partnered with the UK’s largest fruit growers to help preserve the traditional quality of strawberries and cream at Wimbledon. Their Integrated Pest and Pollination Management (IPPM) approach uses a combination species of hoverflies, which are more efficient pollinators in modern farming scenarios, to increase yields. AI vision systems and natural semiochemical lures are used to encourage the hoverflies and have resulted in a 20% increase in strawberry yields and a 56% increase in raspberry yields. The IPPM approach also eliminates the continuous threat of aphid infestations and provides horticultural growers with data on pest and pollination performance as well as environmental conditions.
Tashia Tucker, CEO and Founder of Olombria, said: “We are delighted to work closely with progressive organisations to show how nature can be empowered by new technology to enhance natural growing environments without the use of chemical sprays and to deliver the best fruit possible. Our combination of skills in AI, semiochemical lures, and insect rearing and release, places us in a unique position to support growers around the world.”
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.