CABI podcast: invasive species mini-series
Welcome to the CABI podcast. A brand-new series of four episodes dedicated to discovering more about the devastating economic, environmental and social impacts invasive species have and what we can do to manage them. Each of the four episodes focus on a different invasive species and feature CABI guest experts, who provide their scientific knowledge on the species, the harm caused by them and what CABI is doing to help try to control the species and their impacts in a safe and sustainable way.
Apple snail: The threat and potential economic impacts on East Africa
Earlier this year, scientists from CABI and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) published new research confirming that the apple snail, Pomacea canaliculata, had been discovered in Kenya for the first time. Widely considered to be one of the most invasive invertebrates of waterways and irrigation systems, the apple snail threatens Kenya’s rice production…
Invasive Species Compendium: Reviewing the benefits and uses
The use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), including e-resources, to deliver information has expanded rapidly in recent years and, as an academic publisher in the life sciences, online knowledge sharing has become an increasingly important goal for CABI. Our aim is to help people discover validated, evidence-based information to help them overcome the world’s…
Hyperspectral data can discern invasive Parthenium hysterophorus weed from other crops and plant species
Parthenium hysterophorus is a nasty noxious weed – considered the seventh most devastating weed across the globe – that not only poses a serious threat to food security but also to livestock and human health.
Invasive species cost US billions of dollars each year
The total cost of invasive species in the United States is estimated to be in the order of billions each year, according to a recent study. The study, which is currently published as a preprint on BioRxiv, also estimates the total invasive species cost over the past 60 years to be at least $1 trillion,…
Invasive Species Management: My intern experience
Tasmin Alexander joined CABI as an Invasive Species Management intern in January 2021. Here Tasmin talks about her time working with CABI and the different invasive species projects she has been involved with.
How does the Invasive Species Compendium help to manage the threat of invasive species?
Invasive species pose a massive economic challenge in many countries around the world. Invasive weeds, insects and other animal pests, and plant and animal diseases have been introduced to regions outside their native distribution and, in the absence of sufficient natural control, are negatively impacting agriculture, forestry, livestock, aquaculture or delicate natural habitats.
Stepping up the fight against Tuta Absoluta in Kenya with safer and sustainable biocontrol products
Tomato is one of the most important vegetables grown by farmers in Kenya and plays an important role in generating employment and income. However, tomato production is limited by many factors, the most important of which are insect pests. Tomato farmers tend to control tomato pests with pesticide sprays, but these pose risks to the…
Digital extension campaign boosts farmers’ knowledge and capacity to manage fall armyworm in Zambia
An SMS campaign to promote awareness of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and mitigation measures, which was carried out in four Zambian provinces, has resulted in the enhancement of farmers’ knowledge and boosted their capacity to effectively manage the pest. The campaign was implemented by CABI’s Pest Risk Information SErvice (PRISE) project in partnership with Precision…
Insect heroes fighting invasive species
Today marks the beginning of Insect Week (21-27 June) – a week to learn more about the science and natural history of insects. We are highlighting some of the insect heroes, and villains, CABI scientists work with on a regular basis. Scientists at CABI’s Egham laboratory work with a range of insect species, from plant-parasitic…