New research proposes local Biological Control Agent hubs to fight fall armyworm in Bangladesh

Fall armyworm Zambia
New CABI-led research, working in conjunction with the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), proposes the establishment of local Biological Control Agent (BCA) hubs to fight the devastating fall armyworm pest in Bangladesh.
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CABI collaborates on research suggesting Asia is a ‘genetic melting pot’ for fall armyworm

CABI scientists from its regional centre in Malaysia have collaborated on new research which suggests Asia is a ‘biosecurity hotspot’ and a ‘genetic melting pot’ for the devastating crop pest fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda).
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Progress made on biological controls to fight crop pests in Malaysia

FAW fawligen effects
Scientists at CABI’s regional centre in Malaysia are making good progress in evaluating baculovirus-based biological solutions to manage a range of crop pests including fall armyworm, beet armyworm and diamondback moth.
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Coordinating body urgently needed to help improve Bangladesh’s invasive alien species system

Bang-invasives
A new CABI-led study is recommending that a coordinating body is established to help improve weaknesses in Bangladesh’s Invasive Alien Species (IAS) system to facilitate engagement between all actors involved in IAS management – from trade to human health.
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Can intercropping make fall armyworm’s natural enemies more effective?

Maize farmers intecropping with sunflowers
Native to tropical and sub-tropical America, the highly invasive fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda was first reported in Africa in 2016. The pest quickly spread to every country in sub-Saharan Africa, reaching Zambia in late 2016. Fall armyworm larvae feed on over 80 different host plants, including maize – a key subsistence crop for millions…
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Could Telenomus remus go global?

colourful maize varieties
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…
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Women and girls in science: An interview with Chapwa Kasoma

Women and Girls in Science, 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…
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CABI research referenced in study assessing potential spread of fall armyworm in Africa and beyond

Extension-worker-in-Yambio-showing-the-FAW-larvae-on-maize
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.
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Fall armyworm: CABI contributes to integrated pest management guide

FAW-Larvae-Y-shape
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.
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Fighting fall armyworm: a CABI interview

fall armyworm caterpillar
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…
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