Addressing the problem of sulphur cinquefoil in Canada
Sulphur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta), is a long-lived perennial native to Eurasia. It was introduced to North America over a hundred years ago. Since then, it has invaded disturbed habitats, such as roadsides and pastureland and also semi-natural habitats such as open forests. It is able to hybridize with North American cinquefoil species or to di... >>
Assessing rust fungi to control of Acacia in Australia
Prickly acacia (Acacia nilotica, Mimosacae) was introduced as a shade and fodder tree to Australia during the early 20th century. However, it has since become an invader and has currently spread over approximately six million hectares of arid and semi-arid land in Queensland and has the potential to spread throughout the arid regions of the whole o... >>
Azolla control
The fairy fern or floating water fern (Azolla filiculoides) is an aquatic plant with delicate fern-like foliage. The plant originates in the Americas, but was introduced into the UK in around 1840 as an ornamental garden aquatic. The plant soon escaped the confines of ponds and into the wider environment where it now causes considerable problems to... >>
BACCARA- Biodiversity and Climate Change, a Risk Analysis
Climate change, in particular increased temperatures, levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide, changes in precipitation and in the frequency and severity of extreme climatic events, is known to have serious impact on forest ecosystems and forest productivity. Global warming leads to longer growing seasons and increased water losses, affecting forest p... >>
Biological control of brown marmorated stink bug
The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stal) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is native to China, Japan, Taiwan and Korea and is invasive in the US, Canada and Switzerland. Due to its extremely wide host range it is a serious pest of many fruit trees, shrubs, ornamentals, fruit and vegetable crops. In North America it was first detected in ... >>
Biological control of garlic mustard
Garlic mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is a biennial cruciferous plant of European origin. It is one of the few non-indigenous herbaceous species able to invade and dominate the understory of North American forests, and is considered one of the most serious invaders in the north-eastern and midwestern USA and south-eastern Canada. This project to ... >>
Biological control of hawkweeds
European hawkweeds (Pilosella spp.) have been introduced into New Zealand and North America where several species have become troublesome weeds. A number of Pilosella species are invasive in the North-western USA and in British Columbia in Canada: Pilosella officinarum (Hieracium pilosella, mouse-ear hawkweed), P. aurantiaca (H. aurantiacum, orange... >>
Biological control of Himalayan Balsam
Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) has rapidly become one of the UK’s most invasive weed species, colonising river banks, waste ground and damp woodlands. It successfully competes with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, and excludes other plant growth, thereby reducing native biodiversity. As an annual, H... >>
Biological control of houndstongue
Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), is a facultative biennial, native to Europe and parts of Asia. Introduced into North America in the mid-19th century, it now occurs in nearly all Canadian provinces and adjacent US states. This rangeland weed hinders the establishment of forage species in new pastures. The barbed nutlets become attached to cat... >>
Biological control of mealy bugs on cotton in Pakistan
Cotton plays a pivotal role in Pakistan's economy. Cotton-related products account for almost 60% of national exports. Cotton makes up over 55% of domestic edible oil production, and provides raw materials to about 461 textile mills, 1200 ginning factories and about 6000 small oil producers. One-quarter of Pakistani farmers, of whom about 40 percen... >>
Biological control of Oxeye daisy
Oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare) is a perennial herb with showy flower heads. Originating from Europe, oxeye daisy has been introduced to many other parts of the world both unintentionally as contaminant of crop seeds, and intentionally as an ornamental plant. Oxeye daisy has become naturalized throughout most of temperate North America, where it... >>
Biological control of toadflaxes
The western USA and Canada have been invaded by what appears to be three different morphological types of toadflax. These are yellow toadflax (Linaria vulgaris), Dalmatian toadflax (L. dalmatica, also referred to as L. genistifolia dalmatica, L. dalmatica dalmatica or L. dalmatica macedonica) and a type that appears to be morphologically between ye... >>
Biological control of western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera
The chrysomelid beetle Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (western corn rootworm) is one of the most destructive pests of maize in North America. Over recent years, it has moved into Europe causing major problems in maize. Most yield loss attributed to this univoltine pest (an organism which has one brood per year) is due to the larvae feeding on maize... >>
Biological control perennial pepperweed in the United States
Perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) is a highly invasive mustard that spreads both vegetatively and by seed. It is particularly prevalent in mesic (moderately moist) habitats. Once established, it creates large, monocultures that displace native plants and animals and is difficult to remove. Pepperweed is declared noxious or prohibited in 15... >>
Black list of alien species
In Europe and elsewhere, most countries are currently developing national and international strategies to assess the full scope of the danger presented by invasive non-indigenous species, and to take the necessary measures to prevent and manage the threat effectively. An important step is to establish ‘black lists’ and ‘watch list... >>
Collecting parasites in Pakistan to help Florida fight the Asian citrus psyllid
The Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) is a major pest of citrus, and is the primary vector for citrus greening (also called Huanglongbing or HLB), one of the more serious diseases of these fruit crops. All citrus and closely related species are susceptible hosts for both the insect and the disease, and there is no cure once a tree is infected... >>
Controlling buckthorns in the United States
European buckthorns, Rhamnus cathartica (common buckthorn) and Frangula alnus (glossy buckthorn) are introduced species in North America that cause significant economic and environmental damage. >>
Controlling Canada's swede midge problem
The swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii), a pest of Eurasian origin, was first detected in Ontario (Canada) in 2000. It causes severe damage to a wide variety of important cabbage crops such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, radish, and canola. Swede midge larvae feed actively on the growth points and leaf stalks of cabbage plants, resultin... >>
Controlling floating pennywort in a safe and sustainable way
Floating pennywort is a strong contender for the title of worst aquatic weed in the UK. Originating from Central and South America, the plant arrived in the UK in the late 1980’s as an oxygenating ornamental plant for the aquatic trade. It didn’t take long however, for it to escape cultivation and spread rapidly across Southern England... >>
Controlling hoary cress in the United States
Whitetops or hoary cresses, Lepidium draba (= Cardaria draba) and L. appelianum, are deep-rooted, perennial mustards that are aggressive invaders of cropland, rangeland, and riverbanks. They are declared noxious weeds in 14 US states and three Canadian provinces. In addition, whitetops serve as an alternate host plant for the cabbage seedpod weevi... >>
Controlling Japanese knotweed in Great Britain
Japanese knotweed is one of the most damaging invasive weeds in the UK, Europe and North America. Growing up to a metre a month, it can push through tarmac and concrete. Introduced from Asia to Europe in the mid-nineteenth century as a desirable ornamental plant, it soon fell from grace. It is now illegal to cause it to grow in the wild and it rece... >>
Controlling the cabbage seedpod weevil in Canada
The cabbage seedpod weevil, Ceutorhynchus obstrictus, is a widely distributed pest of cruciferous crops in Europe and North America. Accidentally introduced from Europe, the weevil was first discovered in British Columbia, Canada, about 80 years ago, and has since spread to other parts of western and eastern North America. Since its arrival in Nort... >>
Controlling the mile-a-minute weed
Mikania micrantha (mile-a-minute weed or South American Climber) is a major invasive alien weed in many of the tropical moist forest regions of Asia, and is still invading new areas, such as Northern Australia. This neotropical vine is able to smother plants in agricultural and agroforesty ecosystems, and native habitats. Crops particularly affecte... >>
Controlling the noxious Russian knapweed in the US
Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens) is an herbaceous perennial native to Asia. It was accidentally introduced into North America in the late 19th century by mistake as a contaminant of alfalfa seeds. Genetic studies suggest that the origin of the North American genotypes is Kazakhstan and/or Uzbekistan. To date, Russian knapweed has spread to 45 o... >>
Controlling wild ginger
The family Zingiberaceae encompasses a large number of species which have been widely used by mankind throughout most of recorded human history. Root ginger for instance, needs no introduction and has been cultivated across Asia both for its medicinal and its culinary properties. Within this family however, the genus Hedychium has long been used a... >>
Counting the cost of invasive species
Invasive non-native species (INNS, defined as species 'whose introduction and/or spread threaten biological diversity or have other unforeseen impacts') are known to cause considerable costs to the British economy. Their impacts range from loss of crops, damaged buildings, and additional production costs, to the loss of livelihoods and ecosystem se... >>
Crop rotation to control Diabrotica in Bavaria, Germany
Over the last 20 years, the North American maize beetle pest Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, or western corn rootworm, has moved into Europe causing problems in maize production. It recently arrived in southern Germany. This troubles local farmers as they have to implement the binding EC decisions on eradicating or containing the new invader (i.e. ... >>
Devastating new pest leaves Pakistan’s cotton industry hanging by a thread
Globally, Pakistan is the fourth largest producer and the third largest consumer of cotton. Pakistan’s economy benefits greatly from cotton which makes up 60% of the total export revenue. 55% of Pakistan’s domestic cooking oil comes from cotton seeds (via 6000 small oil producers), whilst 461 textile mills and 1200 ginning factories pro... >>
Developing a biopesticide for Diabrotica control in Hungary, Austria and Germany
The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica v. virgifera, is one of the most destructive pests of maize in North America. It is a univoltine species (a species that has one brood of offspring per year) with eggs that overwinter in the soil. After maize has germinated, the eggs hatch, and its three larval life stages feed almost exclusively on maize roots... >>
Ecological impact of the horse-chestnut leaf miner
The horse-chestnut leaf miner, Cameraria ohridella, is a gracillariid moth that was first observed in Macedonia in 1984. It has now invaded most of Europe, where it causes severe aesthetic damage to horse-chestnut, Aesculus hippocastanum, an important ornamental and amenity tree throughout most of the continent. At CABI, we started working on C. o... >>
Enhancing food security in Asia-Pacific
This project stems from the Leader's Declaration at the 16th Asia-Pacific Economic Forum (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru in 2008. Food Security is a concern of APEC, and a first ever ministerial meeting on food security was held by APEC in October 2010. The Ministerial meeting discussed food safety and agricultural trade, and address... >>
Enhancing soil insecticides for Diabrotica
The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is one of the major maize pests in the world. During its three larval life-stages it feeds nearly exclusively on maize roots leading to reduced water and nutrient uptake by the maize plant and a subsequent reduction in yield. Serious larval infestations may also cause plant lodging (bending... >>
Environmental impact of Fallopia
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica, also known as Reynoutria japonica and Polygonum cuspidatum) and giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis, also known as Reynoutria sachalinensis) are rhizomatous perennial plants native to eastern Asia and were introduced into Europe as ornamental and fodder plants. Today, both species as well as hybrids between ... >>
Evaluating and managing the pathways of pest introductions through trade
The number of alien invasive organisms in European forests is steadily increasing. The trade in live plants is recognized as a major pathway in the movement of forest pests and diseases. The trade volume is large and increasing, and many millions of plants are imported into Europe every year. Phytosanitary (plant health) inspections at the point of... >>
Finding a biocontrol for Crassula
Crassula helmsii (also known as New Zealand Pigmyweed or Australian swamp stonecrop owing to its area of origin) is an invasive water-weed which is spreading rapidly across the UK. It was introduced from the antipodes in 1911, and it has since flourished. It invades still or slow flowing water bodies, excluding most other flora and fauna and formin... >>
Finding a biocontrol for Himalayan raspberry
Rubus ellipticus var obcordatus, or yellow Himalayan raspberry, is regarded as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species and a major threat to native Hawaiian forests. A single plant can grow into a 4m tall impenetrable thicket, with a main stem exceeding 10cm in diameter. Its prickles and sturdy stems make it extremely unpleasant for liv... >>
Finding viruses in Pakistan to control insect pests
Crops in Pakistan are attacked by a variety of different insect pests. Presently, the main method of control is to use pesticides, which can be harmful to the environment and affect the health of agricultural workers. Developing alternative biological control methods would not only help agricultural production, but also benefit the poor farming com... >>
Finding ways to control new mealy bug threat to the trees of northern Pakistan
Skardu is a rural district in the mountainous north-east of Pakistan. Recently, the local agricultural community here has been calling for action to help them cope with a new pest that has rapidly spread throughout the region’s trees. The pest in question is a species of mealy bug posing an immediate threat to forestry and fruit producti... >>
Going green - empowering communities towards sustainable agriculture
85% of Northern Sri Lanka’s population livelihoods are directly dependent on farming. Although the North previously produced a surplus of food, the 30 years of civil war has meant that farming is in disarray. Communities in the North of the country (where most of the fighting took place) were regularly displaced, severely disrupting social in... >>
Harmonizing the strategies for fighting the maize pest Diabrotica
The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is a chrysomelid beetle native to Mexico, and invasive in the USA, Canada, and Europe. The larvae attack the roots of maize, impeding nutrient uptake and, in severe cases, causing lodging (bending of plants). >>
improving the livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers around the Mekong
After rice, maize is the most important crop in Myanmar, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and Yunnan, China. Produced by around 19 million farmers in the region, it is used for both animal feed and human consumption. Average maize yields are almost half those of other Asian countries, such as Bangladesh. Insects including the A... >>
Increasing maize production and availability in a sustainable way
Chronic difficulties in agriculture, brought on by economic problems and accentuated by unfavourable climatic conditions, have accumulated over several years, and continue to seriously undermine domestic food production in DPR Korea. Specifically maize production is facing extensive problems due to damage inflicted by agricultural pests including t... >>
Keeping Florida’s waterways unclogged
The waterways of Florida are under threat from a fast-spreading invasive weed from India. Hygrophila – also known as “Indian swamp-weed” – is an aquatic plant that favours shallow fresh water habitats and has been spreading through South Florida displacing much of the natural vegetation of canals and drainage ditches. It is ... >>
Leaf miner – a major problem for palm oil producers
Palm oil and palm kernel oil are used in products all around the world. A common cooking ingredient in countries where it is produced, palm oil is used extensively in the commercial food industry elsewhere, from margarine and chocolate to cream cheese and oven chips, as well as in cosmetics and increasingly, for use in bio-diesel. As the highest yi... >>
Locating a biological control for tutsan in New Zealand
Tutsan, Hypericum androsaemum L., is an evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub of the family Cluciaceae (or alternatively Guttiferae). It grows up to 1.5 m high. In New Zealand, tutsan has become a common weed in higher rainfall areas, growing in open forest, forest margins, scrub, waste places and garden surroundings. It is shade tolerant, unpalatable ... >>
Looking for a treatment to halt the spread of rhododendron
Rhododendronspecies are well known as beautiful ornamentals which are popular and have been distributed around the globe. However, one particular Rhododendron species R. ponticum, introduced into the British Isles in the late 18th century, has become invasive and has spread through most of the UK and Ireland favoured by the prevailing milder a... >>
Lubilosa (Green Muscle)
Much of West Africa suffers from the threat of locusts which swarm in great numbers and can decimate farmers crops. The problem is most accute in the summer when abundant rainfall can trigger large swarms of the pest. The use of chemical insecticides can lead to chronic and acute health and environmental problems and is not a long term, sustainable... >>
Managing crops in Bamyan and Parwan, Afghanistan
Lying in the highlands of Afghanistan, agriculture, to the mostly rural population in Bamyan and Parwan, is highly important. Over 80% of the population depends on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. Being hilly, farmers mostly grow crops such as potato and fruits such as apricots, apple, peach, cherry and pears in small orchar... >>
Managing invasive species in southeast Asian forests
Invasive alien species (IAS) are recognised as one of the major threats to global biodiversity. In SE Asia, IAS are adversely affecting local and globally significant biodiversity, and are invading and threatening forest habitats, species and their production capacity, as well as, indirectly, the livelihoods of millions of people depending on fores... >>
Managing the pests of Ontario's strawberries
The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris, is one of the most important pests of strawberries in north-eastern North America and at present intensive use of insecticide is the only means for control. The high risk of Lygus populations developing resistance to insecticides, and concerns about the impact of insecticides on beneficial insects, pollina... >>
Mitigating the threats of invasive alien species in the insular Caribbean
Invasive species are plants, animals or microorganisms not native to an ecosystem, whose introduction is threatening biodiversity, food security, health or economic development. Islands, with their diverse but delicate ecosystems are particularly at risk from invasive alien species which can do great damage to the native biodiversity. In the Caribb... >>
Mountain grasslands
Mans continuous input of nutrients to the earth has caused dramatic shifts in ecosystem states worldwide. In contrast to the well-established effects of continuous soil amendments, there is a lack of investigation into how long it takes for an ecosystem to recover – if at all – from these effects once the amendments have ... >>
Multitrophic interactions in Harmonia axyridis
Harmonia axyridis, the harlequin ladybird, is a polyphagous predatory coccinellid, native to central and eastern Asia. It has been widely released as a biological control agent of aphids in the field and greenhouses in both North America and Europe. Since its accidental establishment in North America in the 1980s and in Europe in the late 1990s, it... >>
Non-indigenous insects and their threat to biodiversity and economy in the Balkans
Invasive alien species are recognized as one of the leading threats to biodiversity. They also impose enormous costs on agriculture, forestry and human health. In Europe and elsewhere, most countries are currently developing national and international strategies to assess the full scope of the danger presented by invasive non-indigenous species, an... >>
Post-invasion evolution of the western corn rootworm in Europe
The chrysomelid Diabrotica virgifera virgifera has become a serious pest of maize since it successfully invaded the USA and Europe. As D. v. virgifera has been introduced multiple times, several disparate populations of D. v. virgifera are known to exist in Europe. Thereafter, D. v. virgifera represents a good model organism to study the adaptation... >>
PRATIQUE (Enhancing pest risk analysis techniques)
PRATIQUE is an EU-funded 7th Framework research project designed to address the major challenges for pest risk analysis (PRA) in Europe. The PRA process evaluates scientific and economic evidence to determine whether an organism is a pest, whether it should be regulated and the strength of any phytosanitary measures that may be required. PRAs are ... >>
Preparing Papua New Guinea’s farmers to fight the Cocoa Pod Borer
Bringing in around £50 million each year, the cocoa industry in Papua New Guinea is second only to coffee in its contribution to the agricultural export revenue. The industry produces an average of 35-40,000 tonnes of cocoa per year – 80% of which comes from small holders. In all, over 150,000 households depend upon cocoa for their live... >>
Promoting sustainable agriculture for DPR Korea's crops
Agriculture is crucial for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPR Korea). It involves approximately one-third of the economically active population and contributes an estimated 25% to the gross national product (GNP). However, agricultural production has remained low, largely due to severe winters, a relatively short growing season, s... >>
Protecting Canada's canola crops from root maggots
The cabbage maggot, Delia radicum, was introduced from Europe into eastern North America in the 19th century and became significant pest of canola (Brassica napus and B. rapa) in prairie Canada. Injury to canola roots is caused by D. radicum larvae feeding on and in roots of the host plant, disrupting the uptake of nutrients and water, resulting in... >>
Protecting the US's wetland areas from common reed
The perennial grass Phragmites australis is considered one of the most widespread plant species in the world. It can form large monocultures in wetlands and along riverbanks and lakesides. Although reed beds are seen in Europe as valuable and endangered ecosystems, P. australis is considered to be invasive and reduces biodiversity in both North Ame... >>
Reducing the risk of invasive forest pests and pathogens in Europe
Invasive forest pests and diseases are spread through the trade in plants. These plants provide the invaders with an ideal starting point to establish and then spread. Despite precautionary regulations and phytosanitary border inspections to prevent the introduction of potential invasive species, the number of exotic forest pests and diseases in Eu... >>
Removing barriers to invasive plant management in Africa
Agriculture, trade, and the environment are all being adversely affected by invasive alien species. These plants, animals and microorganisms have escaped from their native environments and are spreading to new areas around the world. They now form the second biggest threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction and while this problem is not a ne... >>
Researching safe and sustainable ways to control broad leaved docks
The broad-leaved dock, Rumex obtusifolius, is considered a weed of permanent pastures, meadows and arable crops throughout its native range in Europe. In Switzerland, it causes particular problems in organic and integrated farming systems. The only feasible control measure currently available for organic production in Europe is cutting the root at ... >>
Broad-leaved dock, Rumex obtusifolius, is considered a weed of pastures, meadows and arable crops throughout its native range in Europe. In Switzerland, it causes particular problems in organic and integrated farming (livestock and crop production). For organic farming, the only feasible control measure currently available in Europe is cutting the ... >>
Revisiting biological control of field bindweed
Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a perennial vine of Eurasian origin. It tends to form dense tangled mats and out-compete native forbs and grasses. Furthermore, field bindweed can harbour plant diseases and is toxic to horses. The weed was introduced to North America and Australia and is now considered one of the most noxious weeds of agric... >>
Rhinos, grassland and public engagement in Nepal
The greater one-horned rhinoceros is only found in small pockets of protected areas in north eastern India and Nepal. This endangered species is under threat from habitat loss, a growing human population, more intensive agriculture and poaching. Recently, concerted efforts to protect rhinos have increased their numbers to a peak in 2000 of 544 indi... >>
Rhizome crushing – a new method to restore soils contaminated by exotic knotweeds
Exotic knotweeds (Japanese knotweed - Fallopia japonica, and giant knotweed - Fallopia sachalinensis), native to eastern Asia, were introduced as ornamental plants into many parts of the world. Today, they are among the most damaging invasive weeds in both Europe and North America. Exotic knotweeds can push through tarmac, concrete and drains,... >>
Searching for a biological control for Dyer's Woad
Dyer's woad, Isatis tinctoria, is of Eurasian origin and was introduced to North America by early colonists as a textile dye crop. Today, it is declared a noxious weed in ten western US states. Dyer's woad does not depend on disturbance to establish and can readily invade and dominate well-vegetated rangeland sites. >>
Solving the problem of tick damage for Africa's livestock
Ticks are small bloodsucking arthropods that mainly feed on domestic and wild animals and sometimes humans. They’ve caused great economic losses to the livestock market globally by transferring disease from animal to animal. There are many diseases spread by ticks, including: east-coast fever, tick-bite fever and Nairobi sheep disease. G... >>
Stemming the spread of Russian olive
Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) was introduced to North America in the late 19th century as a horticultural plant and for windbreaks, erosion control and reclamation purposes. However, Russian olive has become a significant invader of natural habitats, particularly around riverbanks, and has been classified as a noxious weed in four states o... >>
Surveying for pathogens of Canadian thistle
Cirsium arvense, or Canada thistle, is among the most important invasive plants in the world. Six biological control agents were studied and released in North America and several other natural enemies were accidentally introduced. Thus far, however, none have been able to halt the spread or reduce the impact of this invasive weed. Additional survey... >>
Tackling common tansy in North America
Common tansy (or Tanacetum vulgare) is a Eurasian plant species with a large native distribution area, ranging from Western Europe eastwards to Japan. It was introduced to North America for medicinal purposes in the 17th century. To date, it is a declared noxious weed in five US states and three Canadian provinces. In pastures and hayfields, it can... >>
Tackling Japanese knotweed in Switzerland
Some members of the Polygonaceae family are the world’s worst invasive plants, including Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica); a particular problem in riparian (river bank) habitats and construction areas in Europe and North America. In 2003, a consortium of partners formed a project management board to examine the potential for the b... >>
Testing for a potential biocontrol agent for Jatropha
Jatropha gossypiifolia, commonly called bellyache bush, is a perennial shrub belonging to the family Eurphorbiaceae. Native to the Caribbean rim and islands, this species was introduced into Australia in the late 19th century for medicinal and ornamental purposes. The plant has now become a serious and expanding invader in northern Australia’... >>
Testing the psyllid: first field studies for biological control of knotweed
Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is one of the most damaging invasive weeds in the UK. It spreads extremely quickly, preventing native vegetation from growing, and is a problem to the construction industry as it is capable of exposing weaknesses in buildings, foundations, concrete and tarmac. Current control methods rely mainly on chemicals, a... >>
Understanding and addressing the impact of invasive non-native species in the UK Overseas Territories in the South Atlantic
There is a considerable ongoing threat from invasive alien plant and invertebrate species on all South Atlantic UK Overseas Territories (UKOT). Management plans and capacity building efforts to combat invasive plants are in the process of being developed by various conservation bodies and other research institutions. However there are no curre... >>
Unknotting Canada's knotweed problem
Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing plant species that is causing a great deal of damage in Europe and North America. This herbaceous plant forms dense, impenetrable thickets comprising of stalks 8 – 12 feet tall. Originally, as the name suggests, the plant was imported from Japan as an ornamental, and in some areas of North America it can st... >>
Updating and widening access to BIOCAT
Former Director of CABI's International Institute of Biological Control, David Greathead, developed and maintained a global database of classical biological control introductions of insects to control insects: BIOCAT. This database included basic data on all insects introduced for biological control, and was maintained by David Greathead even after... >>