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
16 Jul 2024
The study investigates the effect of these combinations on the total phenol and anthocyanin content, the content of individual phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the fruit. The methods used are spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
02 Jul 2024
Nicolás Zamorano, consultant for Asian markets, commented that in China, consumers 'were mainly trained on cherry varieties. Today the business is no longer global, but increasingly specific, along with the requirements customers have for each variety'.
15 Jul 2025
The 2025 cherry season in the US Northwest brings excellent quality and large fruit sizes. Superfresh Growers leads exports to Asia and Oceania, India shows growing demand, while shipments to China decline due to trade tariffs and restrictions.
15 Jul 2025
A study conducted in China and the USA reveals that phenylactic acid (PLA) improves sweet cherry storage by extending freshness, aroma and nutritional quality. The optimal 8 mmol·L-1 concentration delivers strong results without damaging the fruit’s appearance.
