Managed Syrphid Flies for Pollination

Despite the essential role of insect pollinators for production and quality of 80% of crops, and the increasing expansion of pollinator-dependent crops, only a few hymenopteran species are used as managed pollinators. Syrphid flies, considered the most important pollinators after bees, are not yet a technically viable tool, although they are receiving increased research interest to develop them as managed pollinators. We reviewed the most recent literature on syrphid fly pollination management with the aim of contributing to a broader understanding of their mass rearing, effectiveness, and the available pollination strategies for a wide array of crops. Recent advances in mass-rearing have enabled the commercial availability of select syrphid species as managed pollinators. Combined with the evaluation of additional candidate species and ongoing research into field deployment, these developments are strengthening the scientific basis for hoverfly pollination in high-value crops. Further research and technology transfer efforts are needed to adapt syrphid pollination protocols across a broader range of crops, cropping systems and regions, ensuring their widespread adoption and significantly expanding the diversity of available managed pollinators.