5 invasive species to look out for in the US
The presence of invasive species poses a significant hazard to many native environments and species found in the United States (US). They lead to significant expenses in agriculture, forestry, and recreation. Once out of control, they can destroy entire ecosystems, causing environmental, social, and financial problems. In fact, their presence is costing the US up…
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).
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.
Garlic mustard threatens the rare West Virginia white butterfly
Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolate) is a highly destructive invader in North America. As well as hindering the survival of native plants, it poses a particular threat to the survival of the rare West Virginia white butterfly (Pieris virginiensis).
Zebra mussels disrupt ecosystems in Europe and North America
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are fingernail-sized freshwater molluscs that are native to the lakes of south-east Russia. In the last 200 years they have spread to parts of Europe, including Britain and Ireland, and North America.
Busy in biocontrol: spotlight on weed researcher Jennifer Andreas
Meet Jennifer Andreas, who has collaborated with CABI on a number of biological control projects since 2000, in this profile originally published by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA).
Invasive weeds in America’s Western states: restoring balance using biological control
In many of America’s Western states, invasive weeds such as houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), Russian knapweed (Rhaponticum repens), yellow and Dalmatian toadflax (Linaria vulgaris and Linaria dalmatica), oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare), and hoary cress (Lepidium draba) are serious problems. However, research shows that biological control, as part of an integrated weed management strategy, offers the potential for a cost effective and efficient way of reducing invasive plant species to levels below acceptable damage thresholds.
Potential Slug Invasions and their Impact on UK Biosecurity (Part 2)
By Dr Jenna Ross Guest writer, Dr Jenna Ross, from Crop Health and Protection (CHAP), joins us for the second of her two-part special series (read part 1) on the outputs of her prestigious Nuffield Farming Scholarship. Jenna spent 26 weeks travelling the world studying all aspects of slug invasions and slug control, and in…
New research assesses the effect of invasive crayfish on mosquito survival
Red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), often known as the Louisiana crawfish are staple part of Cajun cuisine. However, new research published in Conservation Biology has found that the highly invasive crayfish allows mosquitoes to thrive in waterways, therefore making it more likely to increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.Â
Invasive Species Are Riding on Plastic Across the Oceans
Reblogged from National Geographic We know plastics are as plentiful in parts of the open ocean as they are in our everyday lives. But, until recently, scientists didn’t consider that such debris could also be carrying a new wave of invasive species to the shores of the United States. Now they’re finding that not only is…