Invasives most read blogs 2021
As 2021 draws to a close, we have crunched the numbers and pulled together the most read blogs on the Invasives Blog this year. Plus some firm favourites. Invasive species like Himalayan balsam, fall armyworm, and Tuta absoluta proved to be popular topics for our readers this year. CABI’s work in biological control around the world also grabbed readers’…
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…
Natural enemy shows early promise in fight against Japanese knotweed in the Netherlands
A natural enemy – identified and reared by CABI scientists – to fight the scourge of Japanese knotweed in the Netherlands is showing early signs of success, a meeting of stakeholders heard recently.
St Kitts and Nevis launches campaign to raise awareness of Invasive Alien Species
The Minister of Environment for the Government of St Kitts and Nevis has officially launched a communication, education and public awareness campaign for the CABI-led project ‘Preventing Costs of Invasive Alien Species (IAS).’
Low hanging fruits? Papaya mealybug in Kenya and search for a biological solution
The potential and importance of papaya production in Kenya cannot be overemphasised. It is ranked fourth most important fruit crop in Kenya after oranges, mangoes and bananas, writes Fernadis Makale, Research Officer, Invasive Species Management based at CABI’s Africa Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
Saying “no” to harmful chemicals in cotton crop production
This is the story of farmer Mr Naveed Ayoub from district Tando Allahyar, Pakistan. He has 10 acres of fertile land where he has cultivated all kinds of vegetables along with cotton crops for many years. He previously felt he had no choice but to use chemical pesticides to control pests on his farm but…
Tolerance and range of Tuta absoluta may have been underestimated, study suggests
The environmental tolerances and potential range of the tomato pest Tuta absoluta in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia and Australia may have been underestimated according to new research co-authored by CABI scientists.
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.
Is the great ‘homogynene’ on the horizon?
CABI’s Dr Arne Witt has spent a lifetime getting to grips with environmentally-friendly biological controls to try and tackle the scourge of invasive alien species (IAS). These include gums, which – though known as a source of nectar and pollen for bees – add to what Dr Witt says is a looming ‘mass extinction crisis’…
Asian citrus greening disease: the threat to Africa’s citrus trade
The yield losses attributed to Asian citrus greening disease once established can be devastating. If the disease continues to spread unabated in the citrus growing regions of East Africa, the annual value of lost production could potentially reach up to US$127 million over the next ten to 15 years, according to a recent paper published…