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
02 Oct 2024
The use of a combination of various essential oils may often prove more advantageous than their individual application, as the synergistic effect of the combination of essential oils may broaden the range of pests that can be affected, thus improving their overall effectiveness.
22 Jun 2026
The 29th Italian Cherries National Competition concluded in Bracigliano, honoring Spernocchia cherries from Bracigliano Natura and Alfonso Ferrentino, Sweet Saretta from Quartieri Farm, and Ferrovia from Rosanna Gullo for quality, flavor and deep territorial identity.
27 Aug 2026
A study in Xinjiang, China, compares five sweet cherry rootstocks under salt stress. Mahaleb CDR-1 and Daqingye show the strongest tolerance, maintaining better photosynthesis, osmotic adjustment and antioxidant defense even at high NaCl concentrations in lab trials.
27 Aug 2026
In Chile, El Niño is raising risks for cherry orchards as waterlogging can damage roots and disrupt budding and flowering, while preharvest rain may increase fruit cracking and rot. INIA Quilamapu highlights strategies to protect cherry quality, yield and postharvest life.
