Precision Pollination as a Service
The Pollination Solution
Edete’s Precision Pollination as a Service delivers pure, viable, high-quality pollen to your orchard, applying it precisely at the optimal time. This ensures controlled pollination and increases yield. Our process includes two phases.
Phase 1
Pollen Harvest & Storage
Pollen harvesting begins with gently collecting flowers and carefully separating the pollen. It is then stored to ensure viability.
We use completely natural pollen harvested from California orchards. To ensure the availability of the best quality and genetically compatible pollen, we maintain a “pollen bank.” This allows us to store pollen for several years, guaranteeing our customers access to the highest quality pollen for their trees.
Phase 2
Pollen Application
Edete developed a unique mechanical pollination technology, called
that uses carefully controlled air streams and electrostatic charge to precisely deliver pollen onto trees. This allows for the accurate dispersal of small amounts of pure pollen (typically grams or even fractions of grams) per tree. Our machines are fully automated and self-adjust to field conditions using advanced sensors, ensuring optimal and efficient pollen dispersion.
Benefits of Precision Pollination
Grow More Pistachios
Increase Yields
Edete’s precision pollination service has demonstrated double-digit increases in yield compared to controls. The case study conducted in a pistachio orchard showed an average 24% increase in pistachio yields compared to control groups.
Control Pollination
By applying an electrostatic charge to the pollen and considering factors like humidity and wind speed, PPaaS increases the likelihood of pollen finding its target, resulting in more efficient pollination compared to traditional spray methods.
Beat Environmental Challenges
Insufficient chill hours can cause male and female pistachio trees or different almond cultivars to flower at different times, leading to low pollination and reduced yields. Edete’s precise pollination service helps ensure targeted pollination even when trees do not bloom simultaneously.
Adapt to Various Crops
While the main focus of Edete’s service is currently on pistachios and almonds, the company plans to expand to other crops, such as avocados, apples, pears, and cherries. This versatility will allow growers from different sectors to benefit from Edete’s service.
Taking Orchard Productivity to New Heights
Features of Precision Pollination
Pollination is an essential biological process in our food production systems and contributes substantially to our economy. Edete’s solution manages the entire process of pollination, starting from harvest to storage and through dispersal of pollen, thereby reducing pollination risk within our food systems.
Safe and Effective Pollination
The dry and pure pollen we deliver precisely to your trees is 100% natural and does not contain any chemicals or other artificial substances. We are simply supplementing what Mother Nature already does.
Reliable and Precise Service
Edete’s pollinators, , disperse precise quantities of pollen but at the same time are rigid and designed for large-scale operation suitable for very large fields.
24/7 Pollination
Thecan operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, night or day, under most weather conditions.
Maximum Return on Investment
Edete’s service typically produces a 4x-6x return on pistachio pollination investment, and we are committed to 100% customer satisfaction.
case study
The Case for Precision Pollination
In 2021, Edete embarked on an exciting trial in the pistachio orchards of northern California. The goal was to explore the potential benefits of artificial pollination across various pistachio cultivars. Carefully planned and executed, the trial included different supplemental pollen dosages and applications, resulting in a statistically significant 24% average increase in fresh nut yield per acre. The findings from this case study showcase the immense potential of Edete’s innovative approach to revolutionize pistachio cultivation.
Edete FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I need to pollinate? Mother Nature does this for me.
There are two issues that comes with the “Mother Nature Method” of pollinating pistachio trees:
1) Bloom Desynchronization – primarily due to a lack of “chill hours accumulation”, the male pistachio trees and female pistachio trees do not bloom at the same time. When this happens, the female trees (the nut-forming tree) will not receive enough (or none at all) pollen from the male trees. We solve this because we are bringing high-quality, pure, and natural pollen to the female trees exactly when they are ready. Regardless of what the male trees are doing.
2) Pollination Rate – because pistachio trees are wind pollinated, the wind must be timely and adequate to ensure a good “pollination rate”. This means that a high enough amount of female flowers are receiving enough pollen at the right time. If it’s not windy enough – and at the right time – then the flowers will not be pollinated. On average, a female pistachio tree will have about 10% of its flowers pollinated, but the tree can actually withstand between 70%-80% pollination; this percentage is what’s known as the “pollination rate”. We solve this because we are bringing the right amount of pollen at the right time, regardless of the wind speed and/or direction, and delivering it directly to the female trees. The pollination rate will easily be 30%-40% and sometimes higher.
How does it work?
We bring high-quality pollen (pure and viable) directly to the field and apply it precisely at the right time to increase and secure yield.
Our solution comprises two phases:
Phase 1: Pollen harvesting, processing, and storage. All our pollen is tested to ensure viability and fertility.
Phase 2: Pollen delivery — we developed a method to monitor the bloom and decide on optimal timing for pollination. We use our 28e pollinators with unique technology to apply the pollen in its pure form precisely and efficiently.
Where does the pollen come from? Do you make it? Is it real or synthetic?
The pollen we use is all-natural and harvested from California orchards.
The pollen is processed and cleaned, then stored in a “pollen bank,” ensuring we can service our customers with the highest quality and best “genetically fit” pollen at the right time for their trees.
Can mechanical or artificial pollination hurt the trees?
No, absolutely not. The pollen we deliver precisely to your trees is 100% natural and does not contain any chemicals or other artificial substances. We are simply supplementing what Mother Nature already does.
When do you run the machinery? Are there any limitations?
The 2Be pollinators can operate 24/7, day or night. We constantly monitor conditions during pollination and typically avoid operating in strong winds or very high humidity, as these can impact pollination efficacy.
How many applications of pollen are necessary?
We will apply pollen once or twice, depending on the age of the trees, the phase of the bloom, and other factors present when we enter the orchard. This decision is made to ensure an adequate pollination rate for the majority of the trees.
The pollination window is fairly short. Is there a limited amount of machinery?
Every year we are adding more service capacity by building more machines. We encourage anyone considering our services to get on our schedule as early as possible – even as early as the summer before the spring pollination season.
Are you selling or leasing your machines? Or do you only provide a service?
To ensure effective pollination, we currently offer an end-to-end service, including monitoring of bloom and pollen supply.
How much does your service cost?
In the last four years we’ve worked in California, we have shown a typical return on investment of 4x–6x for pistachio pollination.
We price our services per acre. Please reach out to us for a formal proposal and to get started.
What does the data show? Is it worth it?
In the last four years, we have successfully pollinated thousands of acres of pistachios and seen typical yield increases of 15% to 30%. Currently, we are working with some of the largest pistachio growers in California and have customers willing to speak directly with you if you would like a personal testimonial. We also have a case study on our website for you to review.
Do you offer any guarantees?
We have no doubt you’ll be completely satisfied with our services and experience the best customer service you’ve likely ever had. However, if for any reason you’re not 100% satisfied, let us know, and we’ll make it right. We are proud to be an agricultural services company, and we want nothing more than for you to be happy.