News about United-States

Cherries and patents: DNA screening can fight legal disputes

Breeding

10 Jan 2025

According to a lengthy legal dispute between the Canadian government and some fruit companies in Washington, several forms of DNA screening, years of field experiments, and a federal judge's ruling are required.

Michigan growers intensify new sweet cherry plantations

Planting systems

10 Jan 2025

While the market for cherries destined for processing continues to lose steam, two growers shared their experiences in the new planting of sweet cherries for the fresh market, with modern densities and which could generate higher profits.

New research on the SIT method to combat Drosophila suzukii advances

Crop protection

07 Jan 2025

A genetics company and Oregon State University have released sterile males of Drosophila suzukii that have been genetically modified not to reproduce. The idea is that they will one day mate by laying non-viable eggs, thus causing the pest's population to collapse.

Bacterial canker: symptoms, causes, and prevention in the sweet cherry tree during the fall season

Crop protection

11 Dec 2024

The most evident symptoms of bacterial canker in sweet cherry are a dark canker, often accompanied by gummosis. Symptoms commonly develop at the base of trees, particularly in younger trees, which are more susceptible to damage caused by machinery, rodents, frost, and irrigation.

NatuWrap is the natural patent that could improve post-harvest storage

Post-harvest​

02 Dec 2024

Beall explained that the patented formulation of NatuWrap consists of several natural components, including earth clay and tree extracts. The formulation is water-soluble, biodegradable, and the company claims it is safe for human consumption and the environment.

$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.