TRIPOL

Unit of packaging

Bombus terrestris (earth bumblebee)

Pack size: corrugated plastic box with temperature insulation

Contains: 3 colonies with queen, total 350-400 workers and brood (pupae, eggs and larvae)

Precautions

Bumblebees are attracted by colours and odours, as well as by blue clothing, after shave lotion, cosmetics etc. Bumblebees are not agressive but they may sting in self-defence. This usually only leads to local swelling and itching and is not alarming. Azaron (available in drugstore) relieves pain and itching.

Some people however can show oversensitive reaction after one or more stings: pain and itching on places other than where stung, or sometimes even over the entire body. Other possible symptoms are: red skin, blisters, respiratory problems, sickness, sneezing and irritation of nostrils, throat or eyes.

If those symptoms occur consult a doctor immediately.

Use

• For optimal fruitset of strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, apricots, apples, pears, kiwis, etc. TRIPOL is specially developed for outdoor use, but also fit for pollination of these crops when grown under protection of plastic or netting.
• A bumblebee colony contains some hundreds of workers, which is far less than a honeybee colony. A table printed on the side of each TRIPOL provides information to help assess the pollination capacity of one TRIPOL. Example: if 18 bumblebees return in 10 minutes, this means that all foraging bumblebees in one TRIPOL visit 260,000 flowers per day.

Introduction

• Each hive contains a small cup with pollen to keep the bumblebees fit during transport and storage.
• It is important to close these cups before placing TRIPOL in the field, to ensure the bumblebees start collecting pollen from the flowers as soon as possible.
• Open the lid of the TRIPOL. The three individual hives are now visible, each covered by an EPS insulating panel.
• Remove the EPS panels, and press with the stick (supplied with the TRIPOL) through the grid on the lid to close it. Bumblebees that are stuck in the cup can get out but not back in.
• Place the EPS panels back in their original position and close the lid of the TRIPOL.
• Distribute the TRIPOL hives evenly in the field. The best position is on a horizontal stand (avoid inclination else sugar solution may leak).
• Open the flight holes minimum half hour after placing, allowing the bumblebee colony to calm down from transport stress.
• Protect the TRIPOL against direct sunshine and rain by covering it with an oversized EPS panel and place a stone on top to prevent hive and panel being blown away by strong wind.
• Pull the white sliding door of each hive upward until two openings become visible (entrance and exit). Do NOT REMOVE the small black door under the lid!
• In case TRIPOL has to be removed to another location it is important to first all bumblebees to return to the hive. To accomplish this press the white sliding door down until one of the two openings is closed. Bumblebees can come in but not fly out anymore. After a 2 hours period, slide the white sliding door until all openings are closed.
• Place the TRIPOL on the new location and let them calm down.
• Open the hive preferably on the following day.

Environmental conditions

• TRIPOL performs best at ambient temperatures of 10-28°C

Compatibility

• Bumblebees are susceptible to various chemicals. Detailed and actual information about side effects and appropriate measures is available on www.koppert.com.
• The pesticide indoxacarb (Steward) is very harmful to bumblebees and is persistant for 3 days!
• Before using incompatible pesticides, hives must be closed and removed from the treated area. This should never last longer than 2 days, else the colony will suffer from starvation and mortality of larvae due to lack of pollen.

Remarks

• The sugar solution that is provided with the hive is sufficient for the transportation time plus the first few days in the field.
• Kiwi flowers carry insufficient nectar to feed the colony. Ask for special TRIPOL-kiwi with greater amount of sugar solution.

Visual effect

In most crops bumblebees do not leave visible traces of their visits. In strawberry, bumblebees remove the pollen from the anthers.

Important!

The introduction rates of this product should be adjusted to the mode of action of the product and the results that can be expected in the crop where the product is applied. Your local Koppert consultant or recognized distributor will be able to advise you further.

Only use products that are permitted in your country / state and crop.