Azolla weevil: 100 years of Azolla biocontrol in the UK
Azolla filiculoides is also known as floating water fern or fairy fern. It is a small, aquatic, free-floating fern native to the warm temperate, and tropical regions of the Americas. The species has been introduced around the globe: to Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Hawaii, North and sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. It was first suspected…
Study shows toxicity of chemical pesticides used in maize against natural enemy of Asian corn borer pest
A new study has determined the compatibility of chemical pesticides – commonly used by maize growers – with the natural biological control Trichogramma ostriniae (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), an egg parasitoid of the Asian corn borer pest.
CABI highlights benefits of Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) support tools to fight invasive species in Caribbean
CABI’s experts in the field of invasive species management have highlighted the benefits of the CABI Horizon Scanning (HS) Tool and CABI Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) Tool to help fight a range of invasive species in the Caribbean.
Can intercropping make fall armyworm’s natural enemies more effective?
Native to tropical and sub-tropical America, the highly invasive fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda was first reported in Africa in 2016. The pest quickly spread to every country in sub-Saharan Africa, reaching Zambia in late 2016. Fall armyworm larvae feed on over 80 different host plants, including maize – a key subsistence crop for millions…
Women and girls in science: An interview with Hariet Hinz
Female scientists have the potential to play an important role in the future of agriculture, however, a significant gender gap persists, particularly in agriculture and science. Gender and youth is a key area for CABI. Constituting to Sustainable Development Goal 5, CABI’s goal is to create opportunities for women and young people in agriculture. In…
Women and girls in science: An interview with Chapwa Kasoma
This month’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science aims to engage women and girls in science. As part of this international day, we are highlighting some of the invaluable work CABI’s female scientists do in the field of agricultural science. Zambia-based Chapwa Kasoma is a postdoctoral research fellow in invasive species management. We…
First parthenium biocontrol agent approved for release in Pakistan
The stem boring weevil Listronotus steosipennis has been approved for release as a biocontrol agent for the management of Parthenium hysterophorus in Pakistan. Parthenium has spread throughout much of the country causing problems in both rural and urban areas. It is hoped this weevil will prove a sustainable and effective management option for this invasive…
Development communication campaign promotes sustainable management of fall armyworm in Kenya
CABI and the Cereal Growers Association (CGA) have been sharing information with farmers in Kenya on how to effectively and safely manage the continuing threat of the invasive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). This was achieved thanks to a development communication campaign that combined video sharing through a network of lead farmers and social media.
On Earth Day, we take a look at the sustainable control of invasive species
Today is Earth Day – a day when people around the world show their support for environmental protection. CABI’s vision is for a world in which the agricultural sector is embedded in a healthy and climate resilient landscape with clean water and air, healthy soils and functional ecosystem services, and where biodiversity is safeguarded through…
CABI DNA identification confirms discovery of highly invasive apple snail in Kenya
A highly invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) has been discovered in Kenya for the first time. This is what new research published today by CABI scientists and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) confirms.