How to use Polyfly hoverflies
Pollination with hoverflies is a natural, effective, and sustainable solution to improve crop performance. At Polyfly, we work with selected hoverfly species that stand out for their high flower visitation rate, non-aggressive behavior, and easy integration into professional agricultural systems.
Below, we explain how to correctly use Polyfly hoverflies, from the available formats to key recommendations during pollination, in order to ensure maximum performance.
1. Polyfly formats: ready-to-use boxes
Polyfly offers five recyclable box formats, designed to adapt to different crop types, surface areas, and pollination strategies. All boxes are ready to use and allow a progressive release of adult hoverflies.
Goldfly · 20,000 pupae
Queenfly · 10,000 pupae
Goldfly · 5,000 pupae
Queenfly · 2,500 pupae
Goldfly · 1,000 pupae
Queenfly · 500 pupae
Goldfly · 200 pupae
Queenfly · 100 pupae
Goldfly · 100 pupae
Queenfly · 50 pupae
This range of formats makes it possible to scale pollination from seed breeding or multiplication trials to large commercial operations, adjusting the number of pupae to the real needs of each crop and environment.
2. Emergence: from pupa to adult hoverfly
After placing the boxes in the crop, the pupae naturally develop into adult hoverflies. The emergence time depends directly on ambient temperature and on acclimation conditions prior to field placement.
| Hoverfly | Temperature | Emergence time |
|---|---|---|
|
12 °C | 5 – 10 days |
| 24 °C | 3 – 7 days | |
|
14 °C | 4 – 7 days |
| 30 °C | 2 – 5 days |
Once adults emerge, pollination activity begins approximately 24–36 hours later. During this period, their wings are still developing, making them more vulnerable.
3. Instructions for use: key recommendations
To ensure proper hoverfly emergence and maximize their effectiveness as pollinators, it is essential to follow a series of basic recommendations when handling and placing the boxes in the crop. These guidelines help protect the pupae, reduce insect stress, and ensure optimal conditions.
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Avoid storing the boxes at extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold. -
Do not expose them to direct rain or sprinkler irrigation systems that may wet the cardboard. -
Protect them from direct sunlight and ultraviolet radiation. -
Do not place heavy objects on the cardboard boxes. -
Leave sufficient space between boxes to allow adults to emerge and rest before flying.
4. During pollination: best practices
During the active pollination phase, it is important to pay attention to environmental factors that may directly affect hoverfly survival and behavior.
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Some birds may feed on the pupae; protecting the boxes is recommended. -
Avoid access by ants and similar predators. -
Hoverflies are sensitive to pesticides and chemical products. -
Be careful with sticky traps, as adults may become trapped. -
Providing a small amount of water and sugar after emergence enhances initial activity.
5. We help you design your pollination strategy
Polyfly’s technical team supports you throughout the entire pollination process, helping you define the most suitable strategy for each crop. We analyze factors such as the environment, phenological stage, time of year, and environmental conditions to recommend the number of releases, the most appropriate hoverfly species, and the optimal timing of application. This ensures efficient pollination adapted to the real needs of each operation.
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