Edete Precision Technologies for Agriculture, an Israeli startup, has reported a 19% increase in crop yields for a top California pistachio grower using its precision pollination technology. The company, founded in 2016, initially deployed its technology in Israel before testing it in California on wind- and insect-pollinated crops, yielding double-digit increases.
In its recent deployment, Edete used its technology on three young plots of Golden Hills pistachios, covering 500 acres in Bakersfield, California, for one of the largest US growers. Despite the orchards' young age and exceptional conditions in 2023 that led to record-breaking yields, Edete's precision pollination technology achieved an average yield increase of 19% compared to control blocks.
CEO Eylam Ran highlighted the financial impact of a 19% increase in yield for pistachio growers, estimating an additional contribution of $1,000-$1,300 per acre. In 2024, Edete plans to focus on the commercial pistachio pollination season in April, starting with existing customers and expanding to new ones. The company also plans to conduct smaller-scale trials on almond crops in Israel.
Source: agfundernews.com