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
17 Feb 2025
As Felisa Cepeda, president of the Society for the Promotion and Development of the Jerte Valley (Soprodevaje) explained at Fitur 2025, the product ‘was born out of a passion for the Jerte Valley and our most emblematic product, the cherry'.
14 May 2025
Uzbekistan has launched its 2025 cherry exports from the Fergana region, with shipments starting in April. Strong global demand drives prices between $3.20–$4.20/kg for 20–26 mm cherries. The early Bahor variety leads the first phase.
07 Aug 2025
Large-caliber cherries are shaped by three critical growth stages: cell proliferation, pit hardening, and final expansion. Genetics and physiology work together to determine the fruit’s size, sweetness, firmness, and premium quality for the most demanding markets.
07 Aug 2025
A study by the Universities of Padua and Perugia explores the biotechnological potential of Prunus cerasus var. Marasca, a Croatian sour cherry used for Maraschino, highlighting flavanones such as naringenin and its promising nutraceutical industrial applications.
