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
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On December 5, the first Cherry Express shipment of the 2025/26 season arrived at Nansha Port: 8,000 tonnes of fresh Chilean cherries were distributed within two hours thanks to an optimized cold logistics chain. China officially enters peak cherry season.
11 Aug 2025
Balandran's CTIFL presented the latest innovations in variety, irrigation and orchard management to the 2025 cherry growers in France. Data, research projects and technologies to optimise quality, sustainability and profitability of cherry cultivation.
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A University of Bologna study confirms the effectiveness of Europollen Zimex on Kordia cherries and Dori kiwi in Emilia-Romagna, showing improvements in fruit quality and fruit set, based on data collected in commercial orchards during the 2025 growing season.
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