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
05 Mar 2025
The size of the global cherry market was estimated at USD 62.50 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2024 to 2030. One of the major reasons for the market growth is the increasing health awareness among consumers.
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Is it a bad idea to use cyanamide and tandem with dormancy-breaking caustics? This is an unfriendly strategy, but highly recommended in years with low cold accumulation and in variety/ rootstock combinations that give precocity and are found in early areas.
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Chile’s cherry production is expected to fall to 115–120 million boxes due to spring frosts, pruning strategies and natural yield cycles. Early exports to Asia accelerate, while demand grows for small consumer-ready packs, new genetics and bicolor cherries.
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A high-pressure humidification system reduces cherry dehydration by up to 80% during cold storage in raw material rooms. This solution ensures consistent fruit quality even in peak harvest periods, making it essential for postharvest management and fruit export in Italy.
