Revolutionizing crop protection: Success of a novel approach to combatting fall armyworm in India
The global battle against invasive pests has found a new champion with pioneering efforts to combat the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in India. This is thanks to a sensor-based pheromone trap – that can be operated remotely anywhere in the world – and which has been created as part of a project funded by the UK…
Pest Alert issued for fall armyworm pest infesting rice crop in the Philippines
A Pest Alert has been issued for the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) pest in the Philippines which can devastate crops – such as rice and maize – if left untreated. The fall armyworm is a lepidopteran pest native to the Americas that feeds in large numbers on leaves and stems of more than 80 plant…
Study examines potential for collective action to fight fall armyworm with biological controls in rural Zambia
A new study led CABI scientists has examined the potential for collective action to fight the fall armyworm (FAW) pest with biological controls in rural Zambia. Conducted in partnership with colleagues from the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) and Wageningen University and Research, the research found that some conditions are already in place. To achieve…
New research proposes local Biological Control Agent hubs to fight fall armyworm in Bangladesh
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.
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).
Progress made on biological controls to fight crop pests in Malaysia
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.
Coordinating body urgently needed to help improve Bangladesh’s invasive alien species system
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.
Can intercropping make fall armyworm’s natural enemies more effective?
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…
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…
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…