Dr Dick Shaw discusses the power of biocontrol
CABI has worked on invasive species for over 100 years, developing practical ways of tackling the biggest threats. Our scientists are world leaders in biocontrol research – an approach that uses invasive species’ natural enemies, like insects and fungi, to control their spread. In this blog, Dr Dick Shaw, CABI’s Senior Regional Director for Europe…
Spotted lanternflies are rampant in New York City but how do we stop them?
Across New York City, large marks and smears of red-like paint are lining the streets. They’re appearing throughout tourist hotspots like Times Square and Central Park. From roads to pavements, even within supermarkets. These marks are the remains of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula).
Countering the spread of the Asian hornet in Europe
A potentially game-changing approach used by CABI scientists in Switzerland could help populations detect Asian hornet nests and destroy them
Invasive rats: A closer look at 4 species causing problems around the world
The invasion of non-native species is among the primary reasons for the destruction of plants and wildlife across the globe. Rats are considered one of the world’s most invasive species. Second only to humans in their ecological damage. In particular, for small islands, the presence of rats invariably leads to radically reduced populations or extinctions…
Azolla weevil: 100 years of Azolla biocontrol in the UK
Azolla filiculoides is also known as floating water fern or fairy fern. It is a small, aquatic, free-floating fern native to the warm temperate, and tropical regions of the Americas. The species has been introduced around the globe: to Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, Hawaii, North and sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. It was first suspected…
Crassula – the potent invasive plant being challenged by a microscopic mite
Crassula helmsii (also known as Australian swamp stonecrop, New Zealand pygmyweed, or crassula) is an aquatic or semi-terrestrial succulent plant. The species was initially introduced to the UK in the early 1900s as an oxygenating pond plant. It originates in Australia and New Zealand, as its common names suggest.
Floating pennywort weevil: feasting to control one of the UK’s most invasive aquatic plants
The floating pennywort weevil (Listronotus elongatus) is the latest biological control method to combat the highly invasive aquatic plant, floating pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides). CABI’s most recent biological control project, the first small-scale releases of the weevil occurred in late 2021, with a national release and monitoring programme launched in 2022.
Invasive species in Sri Lanka: A rising threat
Insufficient resources mean that management of invasive species in Sri Lanka are lacking. Climate change, trade and travel have increased the risk of invasive species in Sri Lanka. Invasive species create disruption to crops and livestock production, affecting the economy. Presently, invasive species disproportionately affect vulnerable rural communities. In Sri Lanka, many farmers rely on…
Fast-growing kudzu plant overwhelms native species
Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) has become America’s most infamous weed. The quick-growing creeping vine spreads rapidly, outcompeting native grasses and fully-grown trees.
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…