Pollination is one of the most critical processes in blueberry production. It occurs when a bee transfers pollen from the anthers (the male part of the flower) to the stigma (the female part), enabling fertilization and the subsequent development of the fruit.
The efficiency of this process directly influences key production parameters such as fruit set, size, weight, and firmness. In other words, effective pollination is the foundation for achieving high yields and superior fruit quality—two essential attributes for competing in international markets.
Against this backdrop, Beeflow has emerged as a biotechnology company specializing in professional pollination services. The company develops proprietary technologies designed to optimize bee performance during bloom, while also offering data analytics platforms that enable growers to measure and manage pollination efficiency.
Today, Beeflow works with crops including blueberries, cherries, kiwifruit, raspberries, avocados, and almonds across Chile, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States.
Science and Technology Working for Bees
Mariano Romero, General Manager of Beeflow Chile, explains that the company’s mission is to apply science and technology to improve hive performance and, ultimately, increase agricultural productivity.
“Beeflow is a technology-based company that provides professional pollination services. We apply science and technology to hive nutrition and management by combining knowledge of bee biology, crop behavior, and the interaction between the two. Our goal is to enhance hive performance by increasing both the number and frequency of bee visits to flowers during the effective pollination period, generating a positive impact on both fruit yield and quality.”
Romero adds that Beeflow’s mission in Chile is to become a strategic partner for blueberry growers.”We want to support growers as they adopt new genetics and help them unlock their crops’ full productive potential, achieving higher marketable yields and improved profitability.”
Higher Yields and Better Fruit Quality
According to Romero, blueberries are one of the crops in which Beeflow has accumulated the greatest international experience.”We work across different regions and countries, so we have a deep understanding of how different blueberry varieties perform and how their behavior changes depending on the production conditions of each growing region. It is a very important crop for us.”
He explains that the benefits of efficient pollination extend far beyond increasing fruit numbers.”There is a direct relationship between effective pollination and blueberry quality. The more visits a flower receives from bees, the greater the number of seeds that develop within the fruit. This translates into larger fruit size, higher weight, and better overall quality—traits that command greater commercial value. Improving pollination therefore increases both production and grower profitability.”
Pollination Challenges in Chile
Romero points out that Chile’s blueberry-growing regions present very different conditions, making it essential to tailor pollination strategies to each area.”Each region faces unique challenges. In northern Chile we deal with high temperatures; in other areas, tunnel production systems make it more difficult for bees to work efficiently, while in central Chile weather conditions during bloom can also be challenging.”
He adds that blueberries present crop-specific challenges beyond climate.”Blueberries have their own pollination challenges beyond weather conditions. Their floral morphology requires pollinators to expend considerable energy to access floral resources. In addition, their extended bloom period keeps hives in orchards for longer, increasing stress on the colonies, among other factors.”
To address these challenges, Beeflow has developed technologies designed to enhance bee performance.”Our technology nourishes and strengthens bees, allowing them to fly within temperature ranges where their activity would normally decline. We aim to take advantage of those hours when temperatures fluctuate between 9 and 14°C (48–57°F), thereby increasing the effective pollination window.”
New Genetics Also Require Effective Pollination
The introduction of new blueberry varieties has raised the quality standards demanded by international markets. However, Romero believes that pollination is often overlooked as part of crop management.
“The industry has evolved rapidly in terms of genetics, introducing varieties with superior flavor, color, and firmness. However, one fundamental aspect is often neglected: ensuring those flowers are properly pollinated. All of these desirable traits can only be fully expressed when pollination is effective.”
To address this need, Beeflow offers a comprehensive pollination management service.
“Growers can leave the pollination process entirely in our hands. We coordinate hive rentals through a network of beekeepers that we have developed throughout Chile, managing the entire program from the beginning of bloom until the hives are removed.”
Throughout the flowering period, specialized field teams continuously monitor bee activity and pollination performance.
“Our team remains in the orchard throughout bloom, conducting measurements and making adjustments to ensure the service delivers its maximum potential,” Romero explains.
A Market with Significant Growth Potential
Finally, Romero believes that Chile’s blueberry industry still has considerable room for expansion, driven by varietal renewal and growing international demand.
“Chile still has tremendous growth potential in blueberries. The search for new production opportunities and the adoption of improved genetics will continue to drive the industry’s development. That growth must be supported by professional pollination services and high-quality honey bee colonies so that the full productive potential of these new varieties can be realized.”
