Pollination-based Biopesticide Dispenser

A dispenser or tray integrated into the beehive's lid contains biological fungicide in the form of powder, which allows commercially-reared bees to apply natural pest control to crops in a highly targeted manner. The material is composed of beneficial microbes bonded to an organic carrier agent. As the bees leave the hive, they must walk through the organic carrier, which harmlessly attaches to the bees. As they pollinate the crops, the bees then deliver the bio-control directly to the flowers, where pathogens usually make their way into the plants. This system has been shown to work against common fungal diseases, including Botrytis (gray mold), Colletotrichum (anthracnose) and Monilinia (mummy berry). Overall, the deployment of this technology has shown cost reduction associated with water, fuel and labor, along with yield improvements in crops such as apples, blueberries, canola, strawberries, sunflowers, and tomatoes.