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
13 Feb 2025
"All the post-harvest management will be reflected in the next harvest. Therefore, we must emphasize irrigation, nutrition, and summer pruning, among other things. We conduct all these checklists to achieve extraordinary quality fruit, which is what the markets demand from us.”
02 Apr 2026
Mercadona strengthens its 2026 cherry campaign with over 6,000 tonnes of Spanish fruit, doubling volumes. A strategy focused on short supply chains, national growers and price stability, supporting key cherry-producing regions across Spain during the season market growth.
12 Jun 2026
The Government of Aragón supports the Cereza de Calatayud y del Aranda PGI, covering around 1,500 hectares and about one hundred agricultural operators. Documents must be ready by 30 July, while the European recognition process could take up to two years for its approval.
12 Jun 2026
Viveros Ebro outlines its 2026 cherry strategy in Ribera d’Ebre, Spain, with Nipama, SPC-108, Royal Apache and SMS-416. High yields, large fruit size, low chill requirements, postharvest quality and full-cycle technical support shape the new season with climate resilience.
