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
Post-harvest Quality Press review
29 Jan 2024
Every year an average of 2,207 tonnes of Central Otago cherries are discarded or not harvested due to imperfections. Eden Orchards, known for its juices, has experimented with individual freezing of cherries in an attempt to develop a commercially viable process.
17 Jan 2025
This model can explain the fluctuations in prices and production in the Chilean cherry market. This model is relevant because cherries have an annual production cycle and are subject to factors such as seasonality, limited supply, and variations in demand.
28 Jan 2026
Embryo rescue is a key technique to improve early sweet cherry propagation by overcoming embryo abortion. A study from Washington State University explores culture media, hormones, and fruit stages to enhance in vitro germination with promising outcomes.
27 Jan 2026
The 3rd Cherry Postharvest Course, led by advisor Patricio Morales, gathered over 250 industry experts to enhance the postharvest quality of Chilean cherries. Focus on plant diseases, biological strategies, and goals for an increasingly competitive global export market.
