All the news for Crop protection

Drosophila suzukii in France: winter fruits reveal new control strategies

Crop protection

12 Sep 2025

A study in France explores the effects of ornamental winter fruits on Drosophila suzukii, an invasive pest damaging soft fruit crops. Researchers tested thermal regimes to evaluate survival, reproduction, and potential strategies for biological control and prevention.

First Asian wasps released in the Netherlands against Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

03 Sep 2025

Asian parasitoid wasps Ganaspis kimorum have been released in the Netherlands to fight Drosophila suzukii, a pest damaging cherries, strawberries and raspberries. The WUR-led project aims to reduce crop losses through biological control and more sustainable farming.

Parasitoid interactions on Drosophila suzukii: impact on biological control in EU and USA

Crop protection

27 Aug 2025

A study carried out in Europe and the USA evaluates the efficiency of the parasitoid Ganaspis kimorum against Drosophila suzukii, highlighting its complex interactions with pupal parasitoids Pachycrepoideus vindemiae and Trichopria drosophilae in biological control programs.

Little Cherry Disease threatens cherry orchards in Washington State: growers speak out

Crop protection

22 Aug 2025

Little Cherry Disease (LCD) is damaging cherry orchards across Washington State, with growers reporting severe losses. Tree removals and bitter, undersized fruit are symptoms of this threat—comparable to citrus greening (HLB) in Florida’s citrus industry.

Effective San Jose Scale control in cherry orchards: strategies and timing

Crop protection

13 Aug 2025

Preventive treatment against San Jose Scale in cherry orchards: useful details on strategies, ideal timing, and application techniques to control infestations, protect orchard productivity, and keep trees healthy from late winter through the start of the growing season.

Chilean cherries: anti-decay strategies and quality goals for 2025 season

Crop protection

06 Aug 2025

Consultant Jessica Rodríguez explains how Chilean cherry growers can prevent decay and improve quality in 2025. Postharvest strategies, phytosanitary control and size selection ensure healthy fruit and profitability in competitive international markets.

Biocontrol of brown rot on cherry and plum: e5icacy, limitations and prospects

Crop protection

25 Jul 2025

A recent study tested the effectiveness of biopesticides and native microbial strains against brown rot caused by Monilinia laxa on cherry and plum. Promising results in pre-harvest phase, but limitations emerged during post-harvest at room temperature.

Ganaspis kimorum survives winter: new biocontrol against Drosophila suzukii in Michigan

Crop protection

11 Jul 2025

Ganaspis kimorum, a parasitoid wasp, demonstrates strong overwintering ability in Michigan cherry and blueberry orchards. This finding supports its potential as a reliable biocontrol agent against Drosophila suzukii and for establishing stable populations across growing regions.

New insights into viruses and bacteria in Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

03 Jul 2025

A research study in Canada and Germany uncovers the wide viral diversity in Drosophila suzukii and investigates the potential antiviral effects of the symbiotic bacterium Wolbachia, with key implications for biological control strategies in berry and cherry crops.

Native cherry trees better support local moths in Massachusetts landscapes

Crop protection

01 Jul 2025

A scientific study confirms native moths thrive best on cherry trees native to Massachusetts. Non-native species slow growth and raise mortality in larvae. Native trees are crucial for preserving biodiversity and supporting birds and insects in gardens and cities.