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
05 Jun 2025
The 2025 cherry season in Spain’s Jerte Valley, Extremadura, started late but aims for stable output, local labor recruitment, and cautious entry into the Chinese market. The Protected Designation of Origin is also expanding to include three historic varieties.
11 Jul 2024
In a recent study, researchers explored how ABA modulates these ripening processes at both genetic and epigenetic levels through RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS).
22 Jun 2026
The 29th Italian Cherries National Competition concluded in Bracigliano, honoring Spernocchia cherries from Bracigliano Natura and Alfonso Ferrentino, Sweet Saretta from Quartieri Farm, and Ferrovia from Rosanna Gullo for quality, flavor and deep territorial identity.
22 Jun 2026
Cherry Growers Australia unveils its 2025-2030 Strategic Plan in Adelaide at the Cherry 2026 conference. The roadmap aims to lift domestic consumption and exports, improve quality, innovation and sustainability, and unite Australian growers around shared priorities.
