Biological control of European frogbit in North America
European frogbit, Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, is a free-floating aquatic plant with heart-shaped leaves. Native to Europe and parts of temperate Asia and Africa, this plant is considered invasive due to its socio-economic and environmental impacts. European frogbit was introduced into North America as an ornamental plant and has since spread to rivers, lakes and inland waters. CABI is exploring potential biological control agents that can be used to help reduce the expansion of European frogbit through North America.
Enabling FAIR data sharing and responsible data use
This project focuses on enabling FAIR data across agricultural development investments by turning principles into practice. CABI supports partners to make data more findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable through measurable FAIR assessments, domain-specific guidance and trusted data access frameworks. By embedding governance into programme design and funding decisions, and clarifying what “AI-ready” data requires, the project strengthens data ecosystems, improving data reuse, reducing duplication and increasing the value of development investments.
Collating and publishing datasheets on impactful invasive species
Invasive species are of significant concern to ecosystems. They are a key driver of global biodiversity loss and species extinctions. Together with climate change, invasive species are causing irreversible damage. Without any mitigation, the spread of invasives will continue and the persistent damaging effects will increase and remain. Having current and comprehensive data on the most harmful and impactful invasive species is necessary for predicting and preventing damage. This project will collate data and information on 72 invasive species threatening species on the Endangered Species Act and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Biological control of parrot’s feather in North America
Parrot’s feather, Myriophyllum aquaticum, is a very popular garden and ornamental plant and has a long history of invasion worldwide. It was first recorded in Canada in 1980 from British Columbia and has since been recorded in the Lower Mainland and in the USA. Parrot’s feather forms dense impenetrable mats which affect stream flow, resulting in reduced native species’ richness at local scales, reduced water quality and habitat quality for fish and wildlife, and impacts on agro-infrastruture such as irrigation as well as human activities. Due to the negative impacts, management of this species is required, and a sustainable option is biological control. A biological control programme against parrot’s feather is already well-developed in South Africa and this project aims to investigate the potential for use in western North America.
Identifying the origin of yellow floating heart, Nymphoides peltata
Yellow floating heart, Nymphoides peltata, was introduced in North America in the late 19th century as an ornamental plant. Since its introduction, it has steadily spread and been repeatedly introduced across the United States and parts of Canada. Where introduced, yellow floating heart can outcompete native vegetation and phytoplankton, and reduce oxygen in the water. In this project, CABI is helping to identify which area(s) in Eurasia Nymphoides peltata was introduced from to North America and is conducting surveys for potential European biological control agents.