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.
Dole partners with Mañío to launch a state-of-the-art cherry packing facility in San Nicolás, Ñuble. A $12M+ investment aimed at boosting export capacity and entering new markets. The project will create up to 400 direct jobs in the region.
Grant Piggott, managing director of Fruit Producers SA, said that those who have worked in the industry for some time think it is the worst in 50 years, due to three storms that hit the production areas in the pre-Christmas period.
Research in Moldova on sweet cherry shows Thin spindle improves yield, fruit quality and canopy management in high-density orchards on Gisela 6, while Improved thin spindle boosts large premium fruit, uniformity and commercial value for modern intensive cherry production.
Chilean cherries 2025/26 face a more saturated China market, flat FOB prices and rising pressure on quality, timing and destinations. Diversification toward the United States and other markets is becoming crucial to protect Chile’s profitability and fruit exports now.