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
10 Jun 2025
The 2025 Picota cherry season in Spain’s Jerte Valley starts two weeks late, but expectations are high for a medium-to-large harvest with excellent fruit quality. Rain and hail had minimal impact. The UK remains the top export market for the product, followed by Spain.
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The Pacific Northwest cherry season is threatened by a severe labor shortage. Fears of deportations and the lack of pickers risk compromising the harvest, especially affecting small growers in Washington, Oregon, and California during a crucial period.
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SAT La Rinconada cherries in Spain earn the Epigen Healthy Bite Regenerative Agriculture certification: 48 of 110 hectares focus on healthy sugars, more total amino acids, organic acids and antioxidant potential, while cutting water and nutrient use for European customers.
