In California, Drosophila suzukii, known as SWD, is developing increasing resistance to insecticides. This insect has become a problem for cherry, sugar cane and strawberry growers since its arrival in 2008, spreading to other states in the USA, Mexico and Europe.
SWD females, thanks to their serrated ovipositor, can even lay their eggs in hard-skinned fruits, damaging them. This leads to increased susceptibility to insects and diseases, as pointed out by the University of Minnesota Extension.
Entomologist Jhalindra Rijal conducted studies on SWD in cherries and revealed that resistance problems developed rapidly. Management practices based on spinosin, pyrethroids and malathion contributed to this resistance due to the limited use of active ingredients.
The inability to vary active ingredients has led to increasing resistance among SWD populations, not only in California but also in other regions of the US, such as Georgia and Michigan, which have experienced similar problems. Scientific studies have shown a significant decrease in the susceptibility of SWD adults to various insecticides, resulting in lower than expected mortality. Spinosad resistance has been widespread on the Central Coast.
Fonte: Farm Progress
Foto: Italian Berry
24 Aug 2023
The study conducted by researchers at the University of Tasmania (Australia) aimed to examine the effects of these modern cover systems on the microclimate, water uptake and quality of fruit produced in covered sweet cherry orchard.
22 Apr 2025
A Romanian study analyzes the correlation between fruit quality and cracking in three sweet cherry cultivars: Special, Tentant, and Severin. The results highlight significant differences in weight, pH, color, °Brix, and cracking index, with implications for varietal selection.
02 Oct 2026
In Coquimbo, Chile, the cherry harvest could begin between October 10 and 15, one of the earliest dates ever recorded in the region. Production is expected to fall by 50%, while larger fruit, higher sugar levels and access to new markets could support growers this season.
02 Oct 2026
In New Zealand, real-time monitoring with IoT sensors helps cherry growers track temperature and humidity during transport, prevent spoilage, reduce food waste and preserve quality and freshness from the orchard to the market throughout the entire cold-chain journey.
