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…
Why the invasive apple snail is causing Kenya’s basmati rice to lose its sweet smell of productivity
Kenya’s Mwea Irrigation Settlement Scheme (MIS) is located in Kirinyaga County and falls within two sub counties – Mwea East and Mwea, writes Harrison Rware and Fernadis Makale who are both intrigued by the invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) pest which is wreaking havoc in the fields of concerned rice farmers.
DNA from thin air: could invasive species be monitored using airborne DNA?
Invasive species are notoriously challenging to track due to their ability to rapidly spread from one habitat to another, whilst their impacts on endangered species can be even more difficult to detect. Two new studies published in the journal Current Biology have now shown that it is possible to accurately identify a variety of animal…
CABI research referenced in study assessing potential spread of fall armyworm in Africa and beyond
A new study looking at the potential distribution of the devastating fall armyworm in Africa and beyond with emphasis on the influence of climate change and irrigation patterns has drawn upon previous research and expertise from CABI.
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.
Campaign to tackle Cassava Brown Streak Disease in Zambia takes hold after workshop
A communications campaign to raise awareness on and ways to tackle Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD) in Zambia is underway after a stakeholder workshop was held by CABI in partnership with the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) and the Zambia National Cassava Association (ZANACA).