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…
Mitigating the growth of toadflax: a CABI interview
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…
Webinar series focuses on desert locusts
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).
Raccoon dogs threaten Scandinavian ground-nesting duck populations
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.
Fall armyworm: CABI contributes to integrated pest management guide
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.
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…
Spotlight on farmers’ training programme and release of fruit fly parasitoids in Pakistan
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…
Fighting fall armyworm: a CABI interview
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…
CABI highlights top 20 crop pests and diseases for possible prioritization in the Eastern Caribbean
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.