News about Melissa Venturi

Compatibility between chemical insecticides and nematodes against Drosophila

Crop protection

07 Nov 2024

Drosophila suzukii can be controlled either by chemical insecticides or by the use of entomopathogenic nematodes, which are easy to apply because they can be mixed in tanks together with other plant protection products, fertilisers and soil conditioners.

State of the art on pollination in cherry trees

Tech management

07 Nov 2024

Some researchers conducted a systematic review of the existing literature to investigate the impact of environmental factors, insect communities and on-farm management practices on cherry pollination.

Increased biodiversity in cherry polytunnels positively influences the presence of pollinators

Tech management

06 Nov 2024

Wildflower areas are a valid method to mitigate the effects of edge conditions on pest control services, even if the impact on pollination is limited. They can also reduce the edge effect within cerasites.

Magnesium and potassium for increased fruit quality

Tech management

24 Oct 2024

The focus of the study conducted at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (Spain) and the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (Portugal) was to evaluate the effects of foliar application of magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) on fruit quality parameters.

Increasing fruit size must start with genetics

Breeding

23 Oct 2024

US research has identified molecular markers for size by studying cvs obtained at WSU. Researchers have developed DNA tests for these markers that can now be used in breeding for assisted early selection.

Detecting pesticide residues by electronic nose

Quality

16 Oct 2024

The purpose of the study conducted at Hitit University, Turkey, was to determine whether treated and untreated cherries could be distinguished from one another based on their odour clues, also investigating whether it was possible to recognize the excessive presence of pesticide.

The use of Fludioxonil against brown rot

Crop protection

09 Oct 2024

The objectives of a Serbian study were to compare and ascertain the toxicity of Fludioxonil against selected isolates of M. laxa, M. fructigena and M. fructicola, to test its efficacy in detached fruit and to evaluate its effectiveness under practical control conditions.

The role of yeasts in the life cycle of Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

07 Oct 2024

Drosophila melanogaster is linked to Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the yeast commonly used in bread-making, and D. suzukii is linked to Pichia terricola, Pichia kluyveri and Hanseniaspora uvarum. Previous studies identified H. uvarum on both infested grape and raspberry fruits.

The use of biological control to decrease the presence of Monilinia spp. in post-harvest conditions

Post-harvest​

03 Oct 2024

Although chemical pesticides have high antimicrobial power, their use is becoming restricted due to European regulations. One alternative is biocontrol, which uses antagonistic agents or metabolites generated by them to block the spread of unwanted organisms.

Biopesticides based on essential oils are the future for Drosophila suzukii control

Crop protection

02 Oct 2024

The use of a combination of various essential oils may often prove more advantageous than their individual application, as the synergistic effect of the combination of essential oils may broaden the range of pests that can be affected, thus improving their overall effectiveness.