News about Melissa Venturi

The genes that determine the colour and size of cherries

Breeding

17 Apr 2026

A study on sweet cherry grown in Northern Greece examines transcription factors PaWRKY57 and PaNAC29, highlighting their key role in fruit growth, color development and in the molecular mechanisms regulating ripening in non-climacteric fruit species.

Post-harvest deficit irrigation in ‘Santina’ cherry: Chile study results

Tech management

15 Apr 2026

A study from Universidad de Concepcion in Chile examines controlled deficit irrigation in post-harvest “Santina” cherry orchards, highlighting effects on plant physiology, yield, and soil microbiota without significant productivity losses and improving water use efficiency.

Less flowers, better cherries: rethinking thinning strategies

Tech management

09 Apr 2026

A study conducted in Chile evaluates chemical thinning in cherry trees using TSA and ACC, compared with manual methods. Results highlight impacts on fruit set, quality and size, offering practical insights for improving orchard productivity and efficiency.

When the cold isn’t enough: how to encourage cherry trees to sprout

Tech management

08 Apr 2026

A Chilean study evaluates chemical agents and application timing to improve sweet cherry bud break. Results show impacts on uniformity, flowering, and fruit set, offering practical strategies to address reduced winter chill under climate change conditions.

G462S: the key mutation driving resistance in Alternaria alternata

Crop protection

02 Apr 2026

A China-based study investigates DMI fungicide resistance in Alternaria alternata affecting sweet cherry. The G462S mutation and AaCYP51 gene overexpression explain reduced treatment efficacy and highlight new strategies for resistance management in agriculture.

Low-cost yield mapping for sour cherry: a practical precision agriculture approach

Tech management

01 Apr 2026

A Utah State University study presents a low-cost system to estimate sour cherry yield. Using ultrasonic sensors and GNSS, it generates accurate yield maps, improving orchard management and making precision agriculture more accessible to smaller farms.

Cherry processing waste turned into nutraceuticals: the Kent research

Quality

18 Mar 2026

Research conducted in Kent, the largest cherry-producing region in Great Britain, shows that cherry processing waste can be transformed into nutraceutical ingredients rich in anthocyanins. Freeze-dried cherry pulp powder demonstrated protective effects in experimental models.

Microorganisms increase salt tolerance in Gisela 6 cherry rootstock

Rootstocks

13 Mar 2026

Research published in Scientific Reports shows that PGPR bacteria Pantoea ananatis and Bacillus aryabhattai increase salt stress tolerance in the Gisela 6 cherry rootstock, improving plant growth, photosynthesis efficiency and antioxidant defenses under saline soil conditions.

Cherry bacterial canker: bacteriophages against Pseudomonas syringae

Crop protection

12 Mar 2026

Cherry bacterial canker caused by Pseudomonas syringae can severely damage orchards and reduce yields. Recent studies examine bacteriophages as a biocontrol strategy and highlight the role of bacterial antiviral defence systems in developing effective treatments.

Circular chromatography: new technology for qualitative diagnosis of soil fertility in cherry orchards

Tech management

04 Mar 2026

In cherry orchards of the Maule Region (Chile), circular paper chromatography is evaluated as a qualitative method to understand soil properties. Results highlight links with organic matter and agronomic management, supporting more sustainable production strategies.