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…
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).
Tree of heaven: can a mite reduce the spread of this highly invasive pest?
Tree of heaven is an invasive tree that damages infrastructure and hosts invasive species. Can a mite play a role in reducing its spread?
Ruffling parrot’s feathers: the biological control of Myriophyllum aquaticum
Myriophyllum aquaticum, commonly known as parrot’s feather, is an invasive aquatic weed. It can have roots underwater in depths of up to 1.5 metres with shoots that appear 20-50cm above the water surface. This makes it both a submerged and emergent plant. It is native to South America but is a popular garden and aquarium…
Biological pest control helps tackle swarms of desert locusts in Africa
This article was originally published on the CABI BioProtection Portal blog. Visit the original blog post here. Biopesticides have been leading the non-chemical pest control assault on swarms of locusts in Somalia, helping to control, without the use of harmful chemical pesticides, one of the most destructive agricultural pests in world: Schistocerca gregaria, commonly known as the desert locust.
Devilweed: the ‘green invasion’ that’s destroying biodiversity and livelihoods
In a new video from BBC Earth, CABI’s Dr Arne Witt tells us about the devastating impact of Chromolaena odorata, commonly known as ‘Devilweed’. As part of the BBC’s Our Green Planet initiative, the video raises awareness about the impact of invasive species on biodiversity and livelihoods.
Potential of parasitoid to control invasive fruit fly highlighted in study
Drosophila suzukii, commonly known as Spotted Wing Drosophila, is an invasive fruit fly native to Eastern Asia that was accidentally introduced to the Americas and Europe in the late 2000s. It has since spread rapidly causing damage to over 150 wild and cultivated fruits like cherries, blueberries, strawberries, and even the fruits of ornamental plants.
Could Telenomus remus go global?
The parasitoid wasp Telenomus remus has been mass released as a biological control agent against fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in the Americas (where the pest is native) for a number of years. However, fall armyworm is now highly invasive, found across Africa, Asia, and Australia. Can the lessons learnt from its wide use in the…
Satellite data offers alternative in predicting impact of biological control for hay-fever causing ragweed
New research – published in the journal Ecological Modelling – reveals an alternative method of predicting population trends through temperature of the leaf beetle Ophraella communa, a potential biological control agent of the hay-fever causing ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe.
Women and girls in science: An interview with Hariet Hinz
Female scientists have the potential to play an important role in the future of agriculture, however, a significant gender gap persists, particularly in agriculture and science. Gender and youth is a key area for CABI. Constituting to Sustainable Development Goal 5, CABI’s goal is to create opportunities for women and young people in agriculture. In…