Integrate tech in horticulture for better crops

Biobest and Bogaerts Greenhouse Logistics have teamed up to launch the Plug In—a new innovation that connects Biobest’s Entomatic dispenser with Bogaerts’ Qii-Jet TAV spraying robot, enabling growers to streamline their operations and enhance pest control efficiency

The Plug In consists of both electrical and mechanical upgrades, designed to allow seamless integration between the two systems. This development brings together cutting-edge biological pest control and automated greenhouse logistics, giving growers a single, unified solution for efficient and sustainable crop protection.

Entomatic, Biobest’s automated insect dispenser, is known for its precise and even release of beneficial insects throughout greenhouse crops. It is a modular system made up of a dosing unit, control panel, and blowers, typically mounted on pipe rail trolleys used in greenhouses.

Thanks to this new partnership, growers can now mount the Plug In on existing Qii-Jet systems, or order new ones that come with it pre-installed. The innovation includes hardware changes to support better cabling, along with software updates that allow users to control both the spraying trolley and the insect dosing unit from a single interface.

Sam Gui, Biobest’s Development Manager for High-Tech Integrated Pest Management (IPM), emphasised the significance of the collaboration and said,"The two companies will continue to collaborate. Our customers often face the same challenges. By combining expertise, we will develop practical solutions that simplify operational management for growers - the Plug In is just a taste of what's to come."

This integration does more than simplify operations—it saves time, improves precision, and enhances sustainable practices in crop protection.

"With the new Plug In, using Entomatic is now as simple as other spraying systems," said Gui. "Improving the compatibility of the two systems saves time, improves application and enhances sustainable crop protection for growers. This collaboration allows us to effectively support growers to invest in a sustainable future for horticulture," he added.

The partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to innovation and grower support, with both companies aiming to reduce complexity in greenhouse operations while promoting environmentally conscious pest control methods.

With the Plug In, Biobest and Bogaerts are setting the stage for more integrated and efficient greenhouse automation solutions—reflecting a forward-thinking approach to agriculture and crop management.