News about Andrea Giovannini

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.

Sweet cherry in Chile: calcium and boron improve fruit quality and nutrition

Tech management

02 Jul 2025

A research study conducted in Chile shows how calcium and boron significantly impact sweet cherry growth and fruit quality. Adequate boron levels enhance calcium translocation, improve cell wall structure, and contribute to better shelf life and fewer physiological disorders.

Brassinolide protects “Tieton” cherries from cold damage during storage in China

Post-harvest​

26 Jun 2025

A study from Yantai, China shows that brassinolide application improves the storage of “Tieton” cherries, significantly reducing cold damage, weight loss, and degradation of visual and nutritional quality of the fruits during prolonged cold storage conditions.

Silver nanoparticles to fight Drosophila suzukii in fruit cultivation

Crop protection

25 Jun 2025

Chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles (AgChNPs) show high efficacy against Drosophila suzukii, a major fruit pest. This sustainable biotechnological solution reduces adult emergence, reproduction, and causes morphological damage, offering a valid alternative to insecticides.

Levante outperforms hydrogen cyanamide: earlier Royal Tioga® cherry in Turkey

Tech management

18 Jun 2025

A Turkish study confirms Levante as a sustainable biostimulant alternative to hydrogen cyanamide, improving bud break and fruit set in Royal Tioga® cherry trees, especially in Mediterranean regions with insufficient chill accumulation during winter.

Sour cherry in Ukraine: top drought-tolerant rootstock and cultivar combinations

Rootstocks

11 Jun 2025

A recent study in Ukraine's steppe region analyzed 35 sour cherry combinations to identify the most drought-tolerant, evaluating key physiological traits like water retention, leaf hydration, turgor recovery and plant response to extended water deficit stress.

Biocontrol strategies for cherry brown rot: new evidence from the United Kingdom

Crop protection

04 Jun 2025

A UK study evaluates Bacillus subtilis and Aureobasidium pullulans for controlling Monilinia laxa on cherry trees. Biocontrol reduces infection when applied repeatedly and at key stages, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fungicide use.

How to extend Bing cherries’ shelf life in Mexico with calcium and silicon

Post-harvest​

02 Jun 2025

A study on postharvest treatments with calcium and silicon reveals how to improve firmness, color and acidity of Bing cherries grown in Mexico. The results show reduced weight loss and enhanced commercial and sensory quality of the fruit during cold storage.

Longer-lasting cherries: natural salicylates boost freshness and shelf life

Quality

29 May 2025

A Spanish study shows that applying natural salicylates to cherry trees during fruit development improves quality, enhances antioxidants, and extends shelf life—offering an effective postharvest solution for health-conscious consumers and commercial producers alike.

Pesticides and parasitoids: impacts on Drosophila suzukii in Chinese orchards

Crop protection

28 May 2025

Study in China on the effects of 8 insecticides on Drosophila suzukii and the parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae. Effective and selective compounds were identified for integrated pest management in fruit orchards like cherries, strawberries, and blueberries.