Spotted Wing Drosophila, a well-known pest that infests ripe, ready-to-eat fruit, poses a significant threat to farmers because it is very difficult to control with standard pesticides. A new approach to tackling this pest involves manipulating the behavior of these insects by disguising healthy fruit as if it were infected with an unappealing pathogen.
By studying the specific odors emitted by infected fruit, researchers have identified the chemicals that repel the flies when applied to healthy fruit and are developing a slow-release device to disperse these fruity odors in the field, ensuring that they do not come into direct contact with the fruit. This method provides a new tool to help farmers protect their crops without relying exclusively on insecticides.
Source: USDA
Image: USDA
28 May 2024
To show nurserymen, growers and retailers the varieties, BLOOM FRESH organised the International Cherry Open Day. Forty international participants from Chile, Brazil, Spain, Greece, Italy, UK, South Africa and Australia gathered in Spain.
23 May 2025
A study in Moldova analyzes five sweet cherry varieties in super-intensive orchards. “Summit”, “Sharetta” and “Sweet Stephany” stand out for their superior yield and fruit quality, meeting European market needs. Data on productivity, quality and agronomic value.
06 Jul 2026
Cristián Pino leads a free online course on export cherry production in Chile, focusing on fruit quality, soft cherries, irrigation, nutrition, biostimulants and practical strategies to improve orchard profitability across Valparaíso and Maule for stronger export results.
06 Jul 2026
Michigan is preparing for the 2026 cherry harvest with reduced volumes, declines of up to 50% in some areas and positive quality. Riveridge Produce invests in new acreage, protective covers and automation to better supply retailers across the Midwest with more efficiency.
