USDA: odour research could solve the fight against Drosophila suzukii

29 Aug 2024
2003

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


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Record cherries at Alegra: innovation, quality and cooperation in Vignola

Production

13 Jun 2025

Alegra cherries, grown by 3,800 farmers over 400 hectares in Emilia-Romagna, stand out for their quality, freshness, and tech-driven selection. The cooperative model and climate shields make Vignola’s IGP a resilient and sustainable excellence in the fruit sector.

New research on the SIT method to combat Drosophila suzukii advances

Crop protection

07 Jan 2025

A genetics company and Oregon State University have released sterile males of Drosophila suzukii that have been genetically modified not to reproduce. The idea is that they will one day mate by laying non-viable eggs, thus causing the pest's population to collapse.

In evidenza

Strigolactones against gray mold: a new promising strategy to protect cherries during postharvest

Crop protection

04 Sep 2026

Strigolactones strengthen postharvest defenses in sweet cherries against Botrytis cinerea. Research on the Xianfeng cultivar shows that 0.1 μM reduces gray mold, lesion development and fungal biomass by activating phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and defense proteins.

How to prevent or minimise cold damage to cherry trees. Advice from an expert

Tech management

04 Sep 2026

Managing frost damage in cherry trees requires action from dormancy breaking through vegetative growth. Preventing ice nucleation, protecting cell membranes, and controlling Pseudomonas and bacterial canker can help preserve orchard health, resilience, and productivity.

Tag Popolari