All the news for Crop protection

Cherry trees at risk: humidity and heat raise threat of fungal diseases

Crop protection

30 Oct 2025

Current weather conditions with high humidity and rising temperatures are favoring the spread of Botrytis and Alternaria in cherry trees. INIA is developing early detection sensors and smart predictive platforms to protect fruit bound for export markets.

OPTIMISTII: the green solution to Drosophila suzukii in European cherry orchards

Crop protection

20 Oct 2025

The OPTIMISTII project, led by INRAE, offers an innovative biological approach to tackle Drosophila suzukii in European cherry orchards by combining male sterilization techniques to reduce pest reproduction and minimize the use of chemical pesticides in fruit production.

Ganaspis kimorum released in Catalonia to fight Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

16 Oct 2025

Catalonia starts the release of Ganaspis kimorum, a parasitoid used for the biological control of Drosophila suzukii. The goal is to reduce pesticide use in cherry, strawberry and berry crops, supporting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fruit production system.

Chile reports first case of Nectria dematiosa on sweet cherries: high phytosanitary risk

Crop protection

10 Oct 2025

First detection of Nectria dematiosa in Chile and the Southern Hemisphere affecting sweet cherries. Sweetheart is the most susceptible variety. The study urges action with improved pruning, monitoring, and nursery sanitation to manage the wood-infecting fungus.

Controlling Drosophila suzukii: best methods for cherries and berries in Italy

Crop protection

30 Sep 2025

Drosophila suzukii is an invasive pest affecting cherries and berries in Italy. This article explores the most effective control methods: insect-proof nets, traps, and treatments using kaolin and Spinosad to protect fruit crops and reduce damage caused by this harmful fly.

Chile: Free Insurance Against Fruit Fly and Climate Risks for Orchards

Crop protection

19 Sep 2025

In Chile, Agroseguros offers 100% subsidized insurance against fruit fly outbreaks for farms up to 50 hectares, with payments made within 10 days. Additional coverage for climate risks and wildfires is also available, benefiting over 80,000 fruit producers.

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.