CABI outlines at conference more sustainable biological control agent approach to fight diamondback moth
Muhammad Faheem, CABI’s Integrated Crop Management Advisor based at its centre in Malaysia, has outlined a more sustainable bio-based control approach to fight the diamondback moth pest (Plutella xylostella) in vegetables.
Floating pennywort weevil: feasting to control one of the UK’s most invasive aquatic plants
The floating pennywort weevil (Listronotus elongatus) is the latest biological control method to combat the highly invasive aquatic plant, floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides). CABI’s most recent biological control project, the first small-scale releases of the weevil occurred in late 2021, with a national release and monitoring programme launched in 2022.
Invasive species in Sri Lanka: A rising threat
Insufficient resources mean that management of invasive species in Sri Lanka are lacking. Climate change, trade and travel have increased the risk of invasive species in Sri Lanka. Invasive species create disruption to crops and livestock production, affecting the economy. Presently, invasive species disproportionately affect vulnerable rural communities. In Sri Lanka, many farmers rely on…
Work continues to tackle threat of fall armyworm in India with remote sensor-based pheromone trap technology
CABI is continuing its efforts working in partnership with CHAP to research remote sensor-based pheromone trap technology to help curb the threat to livelihoods and food security in India posed by the fall armyworm pest.
CABI warns that like on St Kitts and Nevis, invasive green monkeys could become a significant threat to crop production on other Caribbean islands
CABI has shared its expertise on the management of invasive species as part of a consultation on how to mitigate the impacts of the green monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) on food security in St Kitts and Nevis.
Fast-growing kudzu plant overwhelms native species
Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) has become America’s most infamous weed. The quick-growing creeping vine spreads rapidly, outcompeting native grasses and fully-grown trees.
Could better awareness increase the uptake of weed biocontrol in Europe?
To increase the uptake of weed biocontrol in Europe, we need more awareness about its benefits and successes New research suggests that greater awareness about the benefits and successes of weed biocontrol is needed in Europe to increase its uptake. Scientists have discovered a knowledge gap between global regions, showing that EU professionals are less…
Garlic mustard threatens the rare West Virginia white butterfly
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate) is a highly destructive invader in North America. As well as hindering the survival of native plants, it poses a particular threat to the survival of the rare West Virginia white butterfly (Pieris virginiensis).
All is not quite what it seems in the fight against the noxious Parthenium weed
Scientists are busy investigating effective safer-to-use, and friendlier to the environment, biological control agents to fight one of the world’s most noxious invasive weeds – parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus).
The spotted lanternfly wreaks havoc on crops in Asia and the US
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is an insect pest of several economically important crop plants. It is also a menace to many fruits including grapes, apricots, apples and cherries.