News about Melissa Venturi

First report of pomes virus Greece in Italian sweet cherry

Breeding

11 Sep 2026

In Apulia, HTS identified Pomes virus Greece (PVGR) in sweet cherry for the first time in Italy. The virus was detected in 8.7% of the samples analysed, while one case of Cherry green ring mottle virus also marks the first regional report of CGRMV in southern Italy.

Micropropagation techniques from Uzbekistan

Nurseries

02 Sep 2026

In Uzbekistan, research on sweet cherry micropropagation evaluates culture media and growth regulators for cultivars and rootstocks. DKW medium and specific combinations of BAP, meta-topolin, NAA and TDZ improve in vitro shoot proliferation, growth and propagation efficiency.

Seaweed biostimulants strengthen ‘Colt’ rootstock against water stress

Rootstocks

26 Aug 2026

In Chile, biostimulants based on Macrocystis pyrifera, alone or combined with Pseudomonas koreensis, improve the ‘Colt’ cherry rootstock response to drought and water stress by supporting photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal control, root growth and plant resilience.

Genetic and environmental determinants of pollen fertility and flowering phenology in sour cherry

Breeding

25 Aug 2026

A University of Belgrade study in Serbia examines pollen germination, pollen tube growth and flowering phenology in six sour cherry genotypes, highlighting the decisive role of genetics, environment and phenotypic stability in orchard pollination under field conditions.

Climate change and cherry blossom: how warmer winters are altering phenology

Tech management

19 Aug 2026

A 44-year INRAE study shows how climate change is reshaping chilling, forcing and sweet cherry flowering in southwestern France, increasing frost risk and challenging phenology models while guiding breeding strategies for stable yields under future climate conditions.

Solar drying to preserve cherries out of season

Post-harvest​

18 Aug 2026

A study on 0900 Ziraat cherries evaluates indirect solar drying under different ventilation settings. Using one fan shortens drying time, preserves good color quality and provides the best technological balance between energy consumption, efficiency and sustainability.

Entomopathogenic nematodes against Drosophila suzukii: new prospects for sustainable biological control

Crop protection

07 Aug 2026

A study evaluates 92 entomopathogenic nematode strains against Drosophila suzukii. Steinernema carpocapsae NC116 shows high efficacy against larvae, while sublethal effects on adults open new opportunities for integrated pest management in cherry production.

Management techniques affect the quality of the cherries

Tech management

06 Aug 2026

A Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences study examines how harvest timing, growing area, greenhouse orientation and plastic films affect sugars, vitamin C, firmness, nutritional value and market quality in sweet cherries grown in northeastern China under cover.

Rootstocks shape sweet cherry nutrition

Rootstocks

30 Jul 2026

A study conducted in south-central Chile examines how cultivars and rootstocks affect sweet cherry fruit quality and tree nutrition, highlighting differences in leaf mineral levels and offering guidance for targeted, efficient and sustainable fertilization strategies.

Bacterial canker of sweet cherry: a global threat to cherry production

Crop protection

17 Jul 2026

Bacterial canker of sweet cherry, caused by several Pseudomonas syringae pathogens, threatens orchard yield and longevity. This article examines causes, symptoms, spread, diagnosis, and integrated strategies for sustainable prevention and control in cherry orchards.