Project description
Innovative natural pollination solutions
In the realm of agriculture, the critical role of pollinators cannot be overstated. As we grapple with declining bee populations and unpredictable weather patterns, the need for alternative pollination solutions becomes increasingly apparent. In this context, the EU-funded HoverPollination project will present two new natural pollinators: GoldFly (Eristalinus aeneus) and QueenFly (Eristalis tenax). These highly efficient syrphid flies, also known as hover flies or flower flies, are adapted to a range of environmental conditions. GoldFly thrives in hot and sunny Mediterranean climates, while QueenFly excels in cooler, cloudier regions like Northern Europe. They mimic bees’ floral foraging behaviour, visiting flowers to collect pollen and nectar. Polyfly’s innovative solution offers hope for sustainable pollination in agriculture.
Objective
"""Polyfly produces and commercializes alternative natural pollination solutions for Seed Production and Protected Cropping, based on a group of highly efficient pollinators: Syrphid flies (also known as Hoverflies / Flower flies). Our offering includes 2 new pollinators:
1) GoldFly - GF (Eristalinus aeneus) is well adapted to hot and sunny conditions such as those encountered in the Mediterranean basin (14-40C)
2) QueenFly - QF (Eristalis tenax) is better adapted to the cloudy and cooler conditions characterizing continental and oceanic climates of Northern Europe, or spring and autumn seasons (10-30C)
Both are common and widespread species (E. tenax is considered cosmopolitan), and they are excellent pollinators as they exhibit a strong floral foraging behaviour similar to the one of bees. Like them, they continuously visit flowers to feed on pollen and nectar, sources of proteins and carbohydrates necessary for their development and survival."""
Fields of science
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturefruit growing
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculescarbohydrates
- agricultural sciencesagriculture, forestry, and fisheriesagriculturehorticulturevegetable growing
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended FinanceCoordinator
04131 Almeria
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.