Drosophila suzukii, the 'Gene Drive' promises to collapse the population

02 Apr 2025
466

The TEA, ‘Assisted Evolution Techniques’, could be used not only to obtain rice resistant to blast or Chardonnay resistant to downy mildew but also to protect cherry growers and, in general, fruit growers from attacks by Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as the spotted wing drosophila.

“The ‘Gene Drive’ – said Gianfranco Anfora, professor at UniTr – involves the release of a few genetically modified individuals of Drosophila suzukii that, according to ongoing research, could lead to the progressive and total collapse of the target population.”

The ‘Gene Drive’ is a possibility that researchers are exploring, and it was discussed during an event organized by the Accademia dei Georgofili, Fondazione E. Mach, and Sant’Orsola titled ‘Biological Control of Drosophila suzukii, Updates and Perspectives’ held in Pergine (Tn) on February 19th.

The technique involves the use of molecular scissors CRISPR/Cas9, for which Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020, and is an evolution of another strategy already used for biological control of pests, namely the sterile male technique (SIT).

[...]

Want to know more? The full article is reserved for subscribers to the Cherry Times newsletter! Sign up for free to receive each new exclusive in-depth article directly in your inbox and stay up-to-date with quality advice and analysis. Don't miss this unique opportunity!

Sign up for free to the Cherry Times newsletter


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

With Advice and Consulting growers are never alone

Tech management

24 Jul 2024

The company is only 8 years old but has already followed 3,000 hectares in Italy and around the world. ‘We follow the whole project from the beginning. The agronomists - says Alexandra Caminschi - are all Italian and we rely on on-site managers who can pass on our know-how'.

Greenhouse farming technology and production of sweet cherries in greenhouses: a Chinese perspective

Covers Events Production

26 May 2023

Dr. Hui Zhao addresses the topic of greenhouse cultivation in the Chinese area of Dalian. This area is located in Liaodong Peninsula and is characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, rainy summers.

In evidenza

Cherry growth: the three key stages for achieving exceptional fruit size

Quality

07 Aug 2025

Large-caliber cherries are shaped by three critical growth stages: cell proliferation, pit hardening, and final expansion. Genetics and physiology work together to determine the fruit’s size, sweetness, firmness, and premium quality for the most demanding markets.

Biotechnology of Prunus cerasus Marasca: Italy-Croatia research between Padua and Perugia

Processed

07 Aug 2025

A study by the Universities of Padua and Perugia explores the biotechnological potential of Prunus cerasus var. Marasca, a Croatian sour cherry used for Maraschino, highlighting flavanones such as naringenin and its promising nutraceutical industrial applications.

Tag Popolari