News about United-States

$325,000 grant for a revolutionary biopesticide against Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

18 Nov 2024

Michigan State University aim to create a yeast-based biopesticide modeled after approaches proven effective against other species of flies and mosquitoes. The product works by disrupting the protein translation of the pests' ribonucleic acid (RNA).

Determination of the relationship between 'Staccato' cherry fruit storage quality and mineral nutrition

Post-harvest​

24 Oct 2024

Thirty-two ‘Staccato’ plots located in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia were selected, representing a range of growing conditions in the BC interior. Thirty-one of the blocks were on Mazzard rootstock and one on Colt rootstock.

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.

RipeLocker supports post-harvest improvements with low-pressure chambers

Post-harvest​

11 Oct 2024

The group, which offers low-pressure chambers designed to extend freshness, stated that after six years of testing, it has overcome the challenges associated with cherry preservation, optimizing harvest timing and storage techniques.

Evapotranspiration and water requirements in sweet cherries in California

Tech management

03 Oct 2024

Many growers rely on pressure bomb measurements or crop coefficients provided by local UCCE offices to determine their crops' irrigation needs. New technologies for modeling or remote sensing of evapotranspiration estimates are emerging to help manage irrigation.

Michigan crisis, after sweet cherries also sour cherries suffer losses due to weather

Production

30 Sep 2024

The cherry harvest has been deemed a failure and similar conditions have affected sour cherries. Cherry growers are estimated to have lost 30 to 75 per cent of their crop this year. Governor Gretchen Whitmer asked for federal assistance to the growers.

Michigan ready to name cherry as official state fruit

Specialties

26 Sep 2024

Michigan is one of the world's leading producers. Almost 70% of all cherries grown in the United States come from Michigan. If the new Senate Bill 1003 is passed, cherries will be formally named the official fruit of the State of Michigan.

Tart cherry products: added sugar is unhealthy according to FDA

Processed

25 Sep 2024

National producers of tart cherries and cranberries are reacting against a revision proposal by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which introduces radical changes in the classification of certain foods, including these nutrient-rich fruits.

British Columbia cherry growers look to the future with optimism

Markets

24 Sep 2024

Overall, it was a short harvest in terms of both quantity and duration. Although the province does not collect statistics from growers and packers, the production volume this year was about 10-20% of an average harvest.

New US report on pesticide residues in cherry cultivation

Tech management

17 Sep 2024

According to an announcement by the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission, this annual effort aims to provide the industry with guidance for pest management decisions, considering maximum residue levels (MRLs) in some foreign markets.