Ground-breaking project involving UK Agri-Tech Centre, Angus Soft Fruits and Polybee tackles pollination challenges in polytunnels and glasshouses
A new initiative from UK Agri-Tech Centre is using drone technology to improve pollination of strawberry crops.
The project entitled ‘Precision Pollination for Higher Strawberry Productivity and Quality’ is a collaboration between the agritech organisation, Angus Soft Fruits, and Singapore-based drone specialists Polybee, with financial backing from Innovate UK.
This initiative aims to enhance both the yield and quality of strawberries, while also contributing to improved food security in the UK.
Strawberries were the fourth-best-selling fruit or vegetable in the FPJ Big 50 Products 2024, with sales of £854.6 million in the 52 weeks to 12 May that year.
Most commercial strawberry crops in the UK are grown in controlled environments such as polytunnels or glasshouses.
UK Agri-Tech Centre pointed out that while these structures offer optimal growing conditions, they also present challenges for natural pollination, which is essential for developing fruit that meets the strict size and shape requirements of retailers.
Pollination directly impacts whether strawberries qualify as Class 1 produce, the highest standard for retail sale. Poor pollination can lead to misshapen or undersized fruit, resulting in economic losses for growers.
Currently, many growers rely on native bumblebees or honeybees for pollination, but factors like weather conditions and specific crop stages can hinder their effectiveness.
This is where Polybee’s drone technology comes into play. The company’s drones use airflow to assist in pollen movement, ensuring more uniform and successful pollination, particularly during critical stages of the season.
Project manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, Katie Clark, said: “This project represents a critical step towards leveraging innovative drone technology to enhance strawberry yield and fruit quality, addressing the challenges of pollination in protected growing environments.
”By combining cutting-edge drone solutions with the knowledge of leading growers and agri-tech specialists, we aim to drive meaningful advancements in food security and sustainability for the UK and beyond.”
