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
05 Jun 2025
In Niagara County, Tim Buhr grows sweet cherries with high-density systems, VOEN covers and Cornell varieties. Thanks to Gisela rootstocks and targeted agronomic practices, he faces New York’s humid climate focusing on fruit quality, high yields and local market demand.
22 Sep 2023
The company Vivai Spinelli has made a name for itself in the industry thanks to its complete management of the production cycle, from the initial propagation phase to the distribution of mature plants on the market. Vito Spinelli spoke for Cherry Times.
26 Jun 2026
A three-year study in Poland compares organic and conventional sour cherries, showing that cultivar, climate and season affect fruit quality more than orchard management alone. Oblačinska stands out as the most promising cultivar for high-quality organic production.
26 Jun 2026
A Tasmanian study examines how clear and opaque rain covers change orchard microclimate, light, leaf physiology and cherry quality, combining replicated field trials and grower case studies to help producers improve fruit performance, harvest timing and storage potential.
