All the news for Crop protection

A new discovery from the University of Chile for controlling grey mould in cherries

Crop protection

15 Sep 2026

University of Chile researchers identified a Streptomyces strain from the Atacama Desert and Trench able to inhibit Botrytis cinerea. The FONDEF project with AgroFresh is now moving into direct fruit trials and edible postharvest coatings for fresh Chile export produce.

First report of pomes virus Greece in Italian sweet cherry

Crop protection

11 Sep 2026

In Apulia, HTS identified Pomes virus Greece (PVGR) in sweet cherry for the first time in Italy. The virus was detected in 8.7% of the samples analysed, while one case of Cherry green ring mottle virus also marks the first regional report of CGRMV in southern Italy.

Monitoring techniques for cherry trees: an essential and successful strategy

Crop protection

08 Sep 2026

With compressed prices and record volumes, cherry profitability in Chile increasingly depends on phenology, BBCH monitoring, leaf wetness and risk management. A data-driven approach helps growers protect fruit quality, exportable yield, margins and market competitiveness.

Strigolactones against gray mold: a new promising strategy to protect cherries during postharvest

Crop protection

04 Sep 2026

Strigolactones strengthen postharvest defenses in sweet cherries against Botrytis cinerea. Research on the Xianfeng cultivar shows that 0.1 μM reduces gray mold, lesion development and fungal biomass by activating phenylpropanoids, flavonoids and defense proteins.

What does the new cherry season look like in Chile?

Crop protection

17 Aug 2026

Chile’s cherry season is set to be challenging as rain, humidity and temperature shifts favor Botrytis, Alternaria and other pathogens. Check Fast Cherry enables rapid infection monitoring, helping growers protect fruit quality, yields, harvest and postharvest performance.

Entomopathogenic nematodes against Drosophila suzukii: new prospects for sustainable biological control

Crop protection

07 Aug 2026

A study evaluates 92 entomopathogenic nematode strains against Drosophila suzukii. Steinernema carpocapsae NC116 shows high efficacy against larvae, while sublethal effects on adults open new opportunities for integrated pest management in cherry production.

Biological technology for controlling the fungi that cause wood rot in cherry trees

Crop protection

06 Aug 2026

Trunkguard, the biological inoculant developed by INIA, targets wood-decay fungi in cherry, apple, blueberry and European hazelnut while activating natural plant defenses. Greenhouse trials had promising results, particularly in cherry plants under controlled conditions.

Wood diseases: plant protection strategies in cherry orchards

Crop protection

28 Jul 2026

Effective phytosanitary management of cherry wood requires prevention, accurate diagnosis and integrated strategies. Sanitary pruning, inoculum reduction, targeted treatments, biostimulation and seasonal monitoring help contain bacterial diseases and wood-decay fungi.

Bacterial canker of sweet cherry: a global threat to cherry production

Crop protection

17 Jul 2026

Bacterial canker of sweet cherry, caused by several Pseudomonas syringae pathogens, threatens orchard yield and longevity. This article examines causes, symptoms, spread, diagnosis, and integrated strategies for sustainable prevention and control in cherry orchards.

Key Traits for Successful Biological Invasions

Crop protection

15 Jul 2026

A study in Biological Reviews explains why Drosophila suzukii and other Drosophilidae become invasive, highlighting phenotypic plasticity, environmental stress tolerance, food resources, microbial symbiosis and rapid adaptation as key drivers of colonization in habitats.