Since its arrival in France in 2010, Drosophila suzukii has caused extensive damage to several species, including cherries. Its biological characteristics (short development cycle and high number of eggs per female) make it a highly damaging pest.
It is essential that growers develop strategies to combat D. suzukii in every plot in order to minimise production losses.
The purpose of this CTIFL note is to provide technical elements to be taken into account for phytosanitary protection of cherry trees against D. suzukii.
All information in this note is up to 3 May 2023.
28 Feb 2025
Export volumes have already exceeded 5,000 tonnes, driven by high demand during the Chinese New Year period in East Asia. Taiwan remains the largest market, followed by China, Vietnam and Hong Kong.
21 Jun 2024
Approximately 40% of production is exported, with Germany and the UK being the main markets. UK sales peaked in 2011 when 10 million baskets (2,500 tonnes) were sold in a five-week season.
07 Jan 2026
A study from Miguel Hernández University in Alicante investigates the effect of melatonin applied before and after harvest on 'Sunburst' cherries. Results show a 29% rise in anthocyanins and a 5x increase in endogenous melatonin after 21 days at 2 °C in cold storage.
07 Jan 2026
In Quincy, Washington, cherry growers Dale and Brandon Goldy bring orchards into production by the third leaf through precise pruning, scoring and plant growth regulators. Their system turns vigor into fruiting wood, reducing blind wood and improving yield and canopy light.
