Biobest has developed weatherproof boxes for bumblebees to solve pollination problems after one of the worst springs on record.

Fruit producers have traditionally relied on honeybees, but the availability of honeybee hives has declined due to bee-health issues, fewer bee-keepers, and competition from other insect-pollinated crops such as oilseed rape.

Biobest has been pioneering bumblebee pollination since the 1980s as unlike honeybees, bumblebees fly earlier in the season and even on dark days.

They also work harder and faster than honeybees and have a larger body so that pollen clings more easily.

In order to allow bumblebees to be used in outdoor crops, Biobest has developed special weatherproof nest boxes

(multihives), which house up to three bumblebee colonies, protecting them from rain and providing insulation.

A spokesperson said: “Biobest also offers dedicated international advisors to train growers and personalise the system. Growers using our bumblebees have managed to obtain good fruit-set even under the extremely adverse weather conditions experienced this year.

"These conditions are likely to become less exceptional as the climate becomes more unpredictable. Using bumblebees for pollination is therefore an effective way for growers to ensure crop yield, even in the worst of springs.”