Grant Luscombe of Bay of Plenty based All Terrain Pollination says wet supplementary pollination is an efficient and extremely effective method of pollinating crops for kiwifruit farmers across the upper North Island producing consistent and excellent results.

A recent Hayward trial has confirmed that wet artificial pollination positively impacts yields, taste, size and shape of kiwifruit.

“The Hayward trial was run alongside dry supplementary pollination application and demonstrated that wet supplementary pollination results in bigger and better shaped fruit and a larger number of first-class trays with a positive impact on grower returns,” he says.

“In addition to fruit and crop attributes, wet supplementary pollination – in contrast to dry supplementary pollination or bees - can be applied in most conditions and will work in instances where bees may not.”

All Terrain Pollination applies wet pollen directly onto the flowers using a patented process which, was designed and tested in New Zealand, mitigating numerous environmental variables that can come into play during the crucial pollination period.

“Pollen supply was extremely tight through gold pollination, so it is extremely important to maximise the value in its application. On orchard costs have increased significantly hence it is crucial to effectively pollinate to in turn create opportunity for maximum profits.

“Wet Supplementary pollination as a system can become a significant insurance policy in creating quality results year in and year out despite many environmental challenges.”