Bio-Bee’s hive is the product of an endeavor which best expresses both consumers’ demand as well as the conditions which will ensure efficient work of the bumblebees. On the cardboard outer cover of the hive there are diagrams which clearly explain its operation and maintenance. Herewith the key attributes of the hive:Normal Working PositionLifting the plastic shutter to the maximum (no need to remove it from its place!) reveals two flight-holes through which the bees can enter and exit.“BeeHome” PositionLowering the plastic shutter to its middle position blocks the two-way flight-hole on the right and leaves the one-way flight-hole on the left opened. The bees will enter via this flight-hole and will be unable to exit. One should wait 1-1.5 hours until most of the workers return.Closed PositionLowering the shutter all the way blocks both flight-holes.Ventilation and hygieneThe bumblebee colony is placed inside a plastic box that has been especially designed to provide maximum ventilation. On the bottom of the box, its sidewalls and lid, there are numerous slits, which allow an airflow that greatly helps the bees to regulate the temperature in the hive. Parallel openings in the outer cardboard box complete an ideal ventilation system that brings about a significant improvement in the pollination activity by the bumblebees.The ventilation slits in the lid prevent condensation in cold and damp weather. The grid at the bottom of the inner box allows the bees to quickly and efficiently remove dirt and moisture, thus maintaining hygiene in the colony, lengthening its lifespan, and in effect, improving pollination activity.SugarwaterA bag of sugarwater, with a drinking apparatus, is held as a separate unit within a cardboard covering beneath the bee colony. The bumblebees obtain the sugarwater through a wick, which transports the liquid from the bag into the brood compartment.InsulationBetween the plastic inner box, housing the colony and the sugarwater unit there is a thick layer of styrofoam (about 2 cm). This layer, together with the cotton wool covering the brood from above, provides maximum insulation for the bees. This improved insulation protects the colony from extreme weather conditions, especially cold. The result: good pollination activity even under extreme weather conditions.Pollen feedingIn a number of specific applications, dry pollen is added to the hive as a natural dietary supplement. In the center of the plastic inner lid, you will find a square with slightly raised borders. This is the site where the pollen is placed. Most of it should automatically drop onto the colony through the grid and the remainder may be gently pushed by hand or by using a brush.

Ready to Use Kits:Our Genotype DNA Marker Tests can be implemented by any molecular breeder in the comfort of their own lab. Our kits are simple, effective, and provide seed companies with everything they need to independently perform Genotyping and Purity Tests with their own RT-PCR equipment.

he predatory bug, Orius laevigatus, belongs to the family Anthocoridae, which are minute pirate bugs. The species Orius laevigatus is found throughout the Mediterranean basin, from the Atlantic region of Western Europe to the Eastern Mediterranean, including Israel.Target PestsOrius bugs are used throughout the world for thrips control. They prefer certain types of prey: various thrips species (especially the western flower thrips), aphids, whiteflies, mites and moth eggs. Predatory bugs of the genus Orius are omnivorous, i.e. feed on pollen and plant sap as well as on live prey. Being a generalist predator, O. laevigatus may consume whiteflies and spidermites if present at the vicinity of thrips. The alternative prey helps O. laevigatus maintain its population in the absence of thrips. This contributes significantly to the efficacy of O. laevigatus.CropsOrius is observed on trees, shrubs, and in dozens of agricultural crops such as strawberries, sweet peppers, melons, beans, basil, cotton, alfalfa and corn.DescriptionO. laevigatus is a small insect (1.5-2.5 mm in length) equipped with piercing-sucking mouthparts, and two pairs of wings, the front pair being partially rigid. The adult is brown-black with grey spots. Male and female can be distinguished by the tip of their abdomen, which is pointed in the female. The female’s ovipositor may be visible using a magnifying glass.Bio® Orius – The ProductO. laevigatus is packed in a 100 cc bottle containing 1,000 predatory bugs out of which at least 80% are adults and the rest are 4th and 5th instar nymphs. The bugs are mixed in a vermiculite carrier.The material can be either dispersed from the bottle directly over the plants or applied by especially designed distribution boxes that are hung on the plants.If necessary Bio®Orius can be stored for 24 hours at room temperature (13-25°C). In any case the bottle should never be left under direct sunlight.Bio®Orius is compatible with selective conventional chemicals (according to the list of compatible chemicals provided by BioBee).ApplicationPrior to opening the bottle it should be rotated gently, while in horizontal position, to allow proper mixing of the bugs in the vermiculite carrier.Application of Bio®Orius should be carried out upon receipt either early in the morning or late in the afternoon, under relatively mild temperatures. It is not recommended to delay the application of Bio® Orius.Bio® Orius is shipped in isolated styrofoam boxes chilled with icepacks. This packaging must be kept intact until it reaches the end-user.The frequency of introductions should be determined according to the nature of the target crop and the level of infestation by thrips.In crops where O. laevigatus can feed on pollen, such as sweet pepper, Bio® Orius can be introduced preventively before the appearance of the target pests, upon presence of the first flowers. The release rate depends upon the nature of the crop, the ecosystem (e.g. open field or greenhouse) and the level of pest infestation. Temperatures of 21-27°C and high humidity (above 60%) will enhance predator’s activity and ensure its success. Where pollen is not available for the predators, O. laevigatus should be introduced upon the first appearance of the target pests.For more information please contact us.DeclarationBioBee Sde Eliyahu Ltd. produces and markets biological products. Production is carried out using innovative techniques under controlled quality assurance standards such as ISO 9001:2008, as well as IOBC’s international standards for mass-production of insects.All products are tested to meet specification requirements before leaving the factory.BioBee is not responsible for the outcome of implementation in the field, as it has no control over the method of application, local conditions, treatment/storage of product not according to instructions, etc.

Project financing, detailed design, construction and on-going management

HOVERflex – SUBflex’ newly developed Hovering system, designed to be maintained at submerged/semi submerged positions in challenging offshore sites.

The anchor unit, based on a proprietary design, adjusts to specific local maritime conditions including: wave swell, wind, currents etc. The SUBflex team works with the client to suit the specific anchor unit to the existing conditions. The main frame is connected via customize cords, all joined together at a central cord linked to the anchor.Environment Friendly – The SPM design enables dispersing of fish feces and unconsumed feed over a 1,000m diameter, dramatically minimizing the impact on the seabed and natural marine habitat. In addition the large space potentially occupied by the SUBflex system creates a trawling and fishing free-zone – a natural reserve in our fish depleting oceans.SPM – Single Point Mooring – Allowing circular movement around a single mooring unit of up to 360 degrees according to the changing currents. This proprietary design, used only by SUBflex worldwide, enables the system to adjust to currents and winds rather than resist them, giving it longer life span and higher durability in harsh weather conditions.