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
08 Sep 2025
Japan’s fresh cherry market saw a 22.4% drop in consumption during the 2024/25 season, with a modest recovery forecast for 2025/26. Limited domestic production is straining supply, affecting the Furusato Nozei program and shifting summer gift trends among younger consumers.
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The incidence and progression of physiological disorders that may develop during prolonged storage is a topic that requires maximum attention. Determining optimal storage conditions for each cherry variety is of great importance for the industry and producers.
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Bloom Fresh cherries are transforming the global fruit market with new early and blush varieties. Grown in Chile, Spain, South Africa and France, premium selections like Cheery Glow and Cheery Treat meet rising demand from Asia, China and the United States.
