Biological control in action: Zambia’s field days on fighting fall armyworm
Experts from CABI recently held two field days and an expo in Zambia, showcasing innovative approaches to pest management to 584 farmers, agro-dealers and other stakeholders to help raise awareness of approaches to tackle the invasive fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) pest. The field days were part of a project implemented by CABI alongside the…
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…
Stakeholders deliberate integrated policy approach for invasive species management in India
Invasive species management in India Invasive alien species (IAS) are globally recognised to cause serious economic and environmental damage. IAS pose one of the most significant threats to conservation and biodiversity due to their impact on native species in ecosystems. Such as: biodiversity and habitat loss, ecosystem destruction, increased vulnerability to forest fires, change in…
Devilweed: the ‘green invasion’ that’s destroying biodiversity and livelihoods
In a new video from BBC Earth, CABI’s Dr Arne Witt tells us about the devastating impact of Chromolaena odorata, commonly known as ‘Devilweed’. As part of the BBC’s Our Green Planet initiative, the video raises awareness about the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and livelihoods.
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…
COP26: climate change and its impact on invasive species
Climate change is having an important influence on invasive species. The increase in temperatures, rainfall, humidity and drought can facilitate their spread and establishment, creating new opportunities for them to become invasive.
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…
Extreme climate change could ‘more than double’ areas suitable for devastating fruit and nut pest
Scientists fear that extreme climate change could ‘more than double’ areas suitable for the devastating fruit and nut pest – the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) – which is already posing a significant risk to crops in Europe, North America and East Asia where it originates.