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 Feb 2025
Chile has almost doubled its cherry exports to India in the 2024/25 season. With the recent arrival of several sea containers, the export volume increased from 367 tons in 2023/24 to 708 tons in 2024/25, according to the Chilean Cherry Committee of Frutas de Chile.
10 Apr 2025
NZ Cherry Corp increased cherry export yield by 10% through advanced soil moisture monitoring and precision irrigation strategies. A success story that sets the benchmark for smart farming practices across New Zealand and internationally.
24 Aug 2026
Cherry quality is determined long before harvest. Fruit development, cell number, cuticle, firmness, water status, sugars, pigmentation and ripening interact throughout growth to define fruit size, final quality and the postharvest performance of sweet cherries.
24 Aug 2026
Organo-mineral fertilization in mountain cherry orchards improves soil fertility, increases nutrient efficiency and reduces field operations. This strategy can lower production costs, support cherry quality and promote greater long-term profitability for growers.
