News about Andrea Giovannini

Crown gall in sweet cherry: first report of the pathogen Agrobacterium larrymoorei in South Korea

Crop protection

15 Jan 2026

The first report of crown gall on sweet cherry caused by Agrobacterium larrymoorei has been confirmed in South Korea. The study highlights the relevance of molecular diagnostics and effective prevention to defend cherry orchards from emerging plant diseases.

Tart cherry juice and metabolic health: epigenetic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms underpinning an emerging functional food

Health

14 Jan 2026

Tart cherry juice is rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds that help reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and influence gene expression. Recent studies highlight its potential in preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

Chitosan- and alginate-based nano-coatings enriched with pomegranate peel extract to extend sweet cherries shelf life

Post-harvest​

06 Jan 2026

A new study proves the effectiveness of nanostructured coatings made with chitosan and alginate enriched with pomegranate peel extract. Treated cherries stay fresh for up to 20 days, with reduced spoilage and improved nutritional and commercial quality.

Foliar applications of calcium and biostimulant based on Ascophyllum nodosum to improve sweet cherry quality

Production

01 Jan 2026

Ultrasound and nanobubble treatments are transforming postharvest cherry management in Chile. Physiological indicators such as pitting, electrolyte leakage and respiration help assess treatment impact and preserve cherry quality for up to 45 days in cold storage.

Pre-cooling and sweet cherry fruit cracking: physiological and molecular evidence

Post-harvest​

30 Dec 2025

A study from China shows that pre-cooling sweet cherries at 4°C can reduce cracking by over 50%. Cultivars Jiahong and Hongdeng react differently, but both benefit. Physiological and genetic data support the effectiveness of this low-impact postharvest solution.

Understanding fruit cracking in sweet cherry: physiological dynamics, varietal influence and implications for breeding

Breeding

19 Dec 2025

Cracking in sweet cherry fruit can lead to total crop loss. A Ukrainian study highlights genetic and morphological causes, showing how variety and ripening time affect split types. Cultivars like Mliivska žovta, Mirazh and Amazonka showed the best resilience.

Ground-penetrating radar and artificial intelligence: a new frontier for studying plant root architecture

Retail

18 Dec 2025

Researchers from Michigan State University use high-frequency GPR, neural networks, and drones to analyze sour cherry tree roots non-invasively. The method enables accurate biomass estimates and helps optimize irrigation and nutrient strategies in orchards.

Pre-harvest treatments with chitosan and salicylic acid to improve the quality and storability of sour cherries

Quality

12 Dec 2025

A Ukrainian study shows that a pre-harvest treatment with chitosan and salicylic acid extends sour cherry shelf life up to 30 days, reducing weight loss, defects, and microbial contamination. It enhances fruit storage, quality and marketability post-harvest.

A “genetic bitmap” on cherry cracking: comparison between modern molecular technologies used in breeding

Breeding

11 Dec 2025

An innovative study compares qPCR and dPCR to analyze genes linked to fruit cracking in cherries. Eight molecular markers were identified to support genetic improvement, early diagnosis and field strategies against cracking, a key challenge in cherry farming.

How heat affects antioxidants in industrial sour cherry jam production

Processed

02 Dec 2025

A study on sour cherry jams explores how thermal processing impacts antioxidant content. Results reveal major differences among commercial products, underlining the role of ingredient quality and food processing techniques in preserving nutritional value.