Leading biocontrol company, Koppert, has unveiled the Natutec Airobreez, a cutting-edge application device designed to offer its customers enhanced precision, efficiency, and labour savings in distributing beneficial organisms in crops. Tailored for low to mid-tech covered environments, Airobreez is suitable for any crop utilizing biological control.  

A new standard for handheld blowers 

The Airobreez is a handheld blower that uses a unique gentle airflow to disperse natural enemies safely over crops.

“We’ve never seen our beneficial insects arrive at their destination in better condition or more evenly distributed,” says Maikel van Essen, product manager at Koppert. “The Airobreez sets a new industry standard for handheld blowers, not only in performance but also in usability. By releasing beneficial insects through a gentle, controlled airstream, we ensure the organisms reach their destination in optimal condition, with mortality rates below 2%." 

Van Essen further explains, “The Airobreez incorporates a double-duct system (priority patent pending in the Netherlands) ensuring uniform coverage with an effective range of up to four meters. In addition to its extremely low mortality rates, this is where the Airobreez also stands out in its competitive landscape. No other device covers the range from zero to one metre as well as a four-metre radius. Its patented linear airflow guarantees even distribution as you move through the crop and its unique paddle dosage system allows consistent and precise dosage throughout its use.” 

With a closed dosage system that includes 15 settings, the Airobreez is designed to ensure every product is applied with pinpoint accuracy. “Our customers can trust that no material is lost during application, which is crucial for both efficiency and cost-effectiveness,” adds van Essen. 

Addressing labour and efficiency challenges 

As labour costs continue to rise, workers are scarce and the manual application of beneficial organisms becomes more demanding, the Natutec Airobreez offers a market-oriented solution for growers. The device's innovative design ensures not only precise distribution but also significant labour savings. Growers can reduce time spent on pest management by up to 80 per cent, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks in their operations. 

Van Essen emphasizes the Airobreez's user-friendly nature: "It's incredibly lightweight, making it easy to handle during extended use. The two carrying modes ensure comfort and convenience. Plus, it’s designed to be easy to clean, so growers can maintain it with minimal effort, even in demanding environments." 

By offering growers a seamless, precise, and efficient way to release natural enemies, the Airobreez transforms the way biological pest control is practised, merging the best of nature with cutting-edge technology. 

The Airobreez is the latest addition to Koppert’s Natutec range, a portfolio of technology-driven solutions for the application of biocontrol products. Designed to empower customers, the Natutec range offers: 

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•  -  Seamless application of biological control products, even in hard-to-reach or large-scale crops  
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• -  Improved effectiveness of biological control methods through uniform distribution. 
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• -  Increased efficiency and significant labor savings up to 80%  

Source: Koppert Canada January 8, 2025 news release