It seems to me that is has been proven that mechanical pollinator increases fruit set. Many of you try to use electric toothbrush to accomplish this.
The electric pollinators you can buy costs from $16 to $200 (batteries not included). Electric toothbrushes are not cheap either.
As you know many tomato plants are 8 to 10 feet tall and you cannot really get to the blossoms very well with the above devices. Some of you tie the toothbrush to a stick to extend its reach. This tool (42”, longer if you use longer components) plus your arm’s length plus your height will allow you to reach 10 feet or higher.
For those of you who are somewhat handy, you may want to give this a try.
Materials needed:
1. Artist brush. ($1.50)
2. Flashlight ($3.00)
3. Multi-section antenna (http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/ANT-31/935/23"#34;_5-SECTION_ANTENNA_.html) $1.00
4. Rubber tube
5. Micro motor (
http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...NG_MOTOR_.html) $1.25
6. Wire.
The key component is a micro motor (D) which is used in pagers and cell phones. The only difficulty in making this gadget is the soldering of the wire to the motor connectors (C ).
The motor is wired to the flashlight’s light bulb connections. The idea is to use the flashlight as a battery holder and switch. You don’t need the light bulb.
Take off the wooden stick from the artist brush. I was able to find a brush which fits exactly over the motor. (B)
Sleeve the brush over the motor and secure it with a drop of Crazy Glue (B).
Solder the wire to the motor’s wires( C ).
The rubber tube holds the motor and connects the motor/brush assembly to the antenna. The rubber tube allows the motor/brush to vibrate freely (E).
Next drill two holes in the flashlight lens; One to attach the antenna and one for the wire to go through (F & G).
Insert the batteries and give the thing a try. You now have an electric pollinator that is adjustable from 14 inches to 42 inches. I can reach the tallest plant with this fully extended (I & J).
Obviously, depends what you can find in your garage odds and ends, you can substitute components.
I am amazed how well this thing vibrates and it actually makes a buzzing sound just like a bee! When weather conditions are marginal and not conducive to pollination, I believe this tool can make a world of difference.
Good luck and have tons of toms
dcarch
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