Mitigating the growth of toadflax: a CABI interview

Yellow toadflax
Native to Europe, Yellow toadflax and Dalmatian toadflax can typically be found on roadsides, grasslands and in crop fields. Like many other weeds, toadflaxes have been introduced to North America as decorative plants but they are now having adverse effects. Whilst these weeds may look pretty and provide decorative appeal, they soon escape cultivation and can…
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Webinar series focuses on desert locusts

Locusts-on-road
CABI South Asia is hosting a series of webinars under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Technical Cooperation Programme which has recently turned the focus on the scourge of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria).
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Raccoon dogs threaten Scandinavian ground-nesting duck populations

Raccoon dog
Ground-nesting waterbirds such as ducks have been declining across Denmark and Finland in recent decades, with breeding pair numbers falling since the 1980s. Predators of duck eggs have become more abundant during this time, including invasive species such as American mink, raccoons and raccoon dogs.
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Fall armyworm: CABI contributes to integrated pest management guide

FAW-Larvae-Y-shape
CABI experts in invasive alien species and extension communication have contributed to a major new guide for the integrated pest management (IPM) of the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Asia.
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Halting the spread of Himalayan balsam: a CABI interview

With its bright pink flowers and fairly common appearance in Europe, and North America, when Himalayan balsam blossoms it can grow up to two metres tall with rough, reddish stems and shiny oval-shaped leaves. As alluring as it sounds, this plant, frequently found along waterways or damp areas, is highly invasive and causes a number…
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Spotlight on farmers’ training programme and release of fruit fly parasitoids in Pakistan

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High-value horticultural crops such as mango are key drivers of Pakistan’s economic development. Infestations of flies in mangoes and other fruits reduce the quality and quantity of yields. One estimate state that flies cause losses of about US$800 million each year. Synthetic insecticides can be used to manage the fruit flies and mango hoppers, but…
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Fighting fall armyworm: a CABI interview

fall armyworm caterpillar
In 2016, fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) was found in Africa for the first time. This nefarious invasive species feeds on a vast range of plants, causing major damage. Since then, CABI has been working hard in the fight against fall armyworm, including international and national response planning, biological control research and development, mass extension and diagnostic services.  As part of the CABI Podcast…
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CABI highlights top 20 crop pests and diseases for possible prioritization in the Eastern Caribbean

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CABI has highlighted the top 20 crop pests and diseases for possible prioritization in the Eastern Caribbean as part of a special presentation given to the Caribbean Plant Health Directors Forum (CPHD) aimed at strengthening food security in the region and further afield.
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Combating desert locusts: a CABI interview

desert locust
The destructive force of desert locusts and grasshoppers can devastate crops across many regions of Africa and Asia, with swarms of locusts capable of causing widespread damage to crops, severely damaging livelihoods and increasing the risk of acute food instability. CABI has been using its extensive expertise in managing invasive insects, through early action and…
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CABI podcast – new series on invasive species launches

Dr Rwomushana scouting for FAW
A new podcast mini-series on invasive species has been launched by CABI. Each podcast episode features CABI experts sharing their in-depth knowledge of an invasive species, including the negative economic, environmental and social impacts that they cause, and CABI’s work in helping to manage them. 
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