Established in 1948, CABI Europe – Switzerland has for many years been a leading international research-based institution in the management of alien invasive weeds and insect pests through the promotion of safe biological control.
 |
Biological control is the use of natural enemies (parasitoids, predators, diseases and herbivores) to control these pests and weeds. Many of the most damaging pests and weeds are alien species that have been accidentally introduced through trade and travel. Alien pests often spread without their natural enemies, which normally keep them in check in their region of origin. Therefore, much of the centre’s work has been based on so-called classical biological control, i.e. the control of introduced pests in one area by the introduction of natural enemies from the pest’s area of origin. Naturally, this approach depends upon a careful study and evaluation of the risks before any natural enemy can be introduced, and this is a major focus of the centre’s work.
|
Our centre’s research also contributes to assessing the risks and impacts of invasive alien insects. We are developing inventories of invasive alien insects and establishing black lists of alien animal species that require particular attention and regulation, due to their current or potential environmental impact. By doing this the Centre contributes in the development of regional and national strategies on prevention and management of invasive species in Europe.
In order to support a better understanding of how we can conserve biodiversity, our centre’s research places emphasis on assessing multi-trophic interactions below and above-ground as well as nutrient cycling in the context of biological invasions, land-use change and climate change. In the context of climate change we are studying interactions between global warming and biological invasions and assessing the possible impacts of climate change on agricultural production and ecosystems through their effect on pests and insect-plant interactions.
In an effort to tackle environmental issues, alleviate poverty and enable food security, there is a strong global movement towards agricultural development. Furthermore, market globalization and growing consumer concerns about food safety and environmental health requires the adoption of good agricultural practices (GAP) to raise standards of food production. Our integrated crop management (ICM) team provides technical support and facilitates activities that improve agricultural practices, for example, supporting the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) in order to reduce unnecessary use of pesticides.
To find out more about our staff and what we do, please use the links on the left.
 |
Ambrosia workshop in Delémont, Switzerland
We recently held a one-day workshop in Delémont, Switzerland where experts discussed the invasive weed Ambrosia artemisiifolia (or common ragweed).
To find out more about this conference, and to access presentations and posters, please click here > |
2008-09 Annual Report
Click here to download a printable PDF.
See highlights from our 2007 annual review here.