Natupol Excel Class A Hive

Description: Bombus impatiens colony with queen, workers, and brood (pupae, eggs, and larvae), bag with sugar solution. 

Best used: on crops with a high amount of flowers per m2, crops grown under artificial light and in warmer climates, like tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers. 

Works by: worker bumblebees start pollinating the flowers while at the same time collecting pollen to feed the brood. More workers emerge from the brood in the weeks after the introduction, increasing both colony size and pollination performance. After some weeks the colony will reach its maximum size and starts declining in size and pollination activity. Colony development depends on environmental conditions and the amount and quality of pollen.

SUGGESTED APPLICATION RATE 

1 hive for roughly 1500-2500m2, depending on crop, lighting, and amount of flowers. Always consult a Koppert advisor or a recognized distributor of Koppert products for advice on the best strategy for your situation.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE 

• Place the hive on a horizontal platform (avoid inclination, otherwise sugar water may leak)
• Position the hive about 20-60 cm above the ground in the shade of the crop or if necessary provide additional shading
• Under short-day conditions (<10 hours of light) position the hive near the top of plants, in such a way that the hive is exposed to the first daylight
• Wait for at least 15 minutes after positioning the hive before opening the hive entrance, this allows the bumblebees to calm down
• Pull the blue sliding door of the hive upward until two openings become visible (entrance and exit). Do not remove the small grey door under the lid
• Pollination performance and duration vary per crop and depend on environmental conditions.

STORAGE 

To guarantee the best pollination results, start using the hive on the day of arrival. If necessary hives can be stored for 1 day MAX. Store at temperatures between 15-25C. Keep the hives well-ventilated and out of direct sunlight.