News about Andrea Giovannini

A natural ally for skin health can be found in cherry stem extracts

Health

04 Dec 2024

A study characterized cherry stem extract identifying 146 chemical compounds. Flavonoids stood out, along with phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and organic acids. These compounds work to combat free radicals and oxidative processes, which are major contributors to skin aging.

Phenyllactic acid (PLA) treatment to improve cherry storage

Post-harvest​

28 Nov 2024

A Chinese study proposed a more sustainable approach using phenyllactic acid to extend the storage life of cherries. The results highlighted that a concentration of phenyllactic acid is effective in reducing the cherries respiration rate and in controlling oxygen.

Genomics: new insights for improving cherry agronomic traits

Breeding

27 Nov 2024

A recent study, involving collaboration between researchers from China and France, conducted an extensive analysis of genomic research findings on cherries. Among the traits examined, fruit size and weight are critical determinants of commercial quality.

Exposure to low doses of insecticides in Drosophila suzukii: are there sublethal and chronic effects?

Crop protection

26 Nov 2024

A recent study from Poland analyzed the effects of sublethal doses of acetamiprid and nicotine on Drosophila suzukii, evaluating alterations in wing symmetry among exposed insects. The parameter used for evaluation was the "fluctuating asymmetry".

Biostimulants based on Ecklonia maxima and glycine betaine for enhancing cherry quality

Quality

22 Nov 2024

A recent study from Portugal and Denmark focused on the effects of two biostimulants: glycine betaine and an extract derived from the seaweed Ecklonia maxima. These biostimulants were applied to sweet cherry cultivars “Early Bigi” and “Lapins” grafted onto SL-64 rootstock.

The importance of rootstock and fertilization in Summit cherries quality

Tech management

21 Nov 2024

A Chinese study analyzed the effects of five different rootstocks on Summit sweet cherry cultivar during the fruit veraison phase with or without nitrogen-free nutrient fertilizers. The five rootstocks tested were: Mahaleb, Gisela 5, and three hybrid selections H11, H17, and H22.

Diversity of Colletotrichum species responsible of cherries post-harvest anthracnose in China

Post-harvest​

19 Nov 2024

A recent Chinese study analyzed various cherry samples collected over two different growing seasons. From these samples, 43 isolates of Colletotrichum were obtained and characterized, representing the species associated with anthracnose in the main cultivation regions.

Cross-species SIT technique: a new frontier for controlling Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

13 Nov 2024

A recent Italian study analyzed the use of cross-species SIT, which leverages reproductive interference between different species to enhance effectiveness. The goal was to combat Drosophila suzukii, a pest that poses a threat to fleshy fruits such as cherries.

Analysis of fungal diversity responsible for cherry fruit rot in Shandong province, China

Crop protection

11 Nov 2024

Pathogenicity tests showed that all isolated species could cause fruit infections, though with varying levels of aggressiveness. Among them, Diaporthe eres displayed the highest virulence followed by Fusarium incarnatum and Botryosphaeria dothidea.

Biotechnological innovations in the control of Drosophila suzukii: techniques and perspectives

Crop protection

05 Nov 2024

Traditional management methods fail to fully control Drosophila suzukii. New innovative strategies are being developed and adopted, including the 'sterile insect technique', 'X-shredding' and the 'transgenic sexing strains' technique.