Greater awareness needed to increase uptake of invasive plant biocontrol in Europe, scientists say
A team of international scientists have conducted research which reveals that European Union professionals know less about the biological control of invasive plants than their counterparts in other parts of the world. To date, there have been over 500 biological control agents released against at least 220 invasive alien plant…
Weevil may save Great Britain up to £16.8m a year in management of invasive aquatic fern
A new CABI-led study suggests that a tiny weevil (Stenopelmus rufinasus) has huge benefits in saving Great Britain up to £16.8m in annual management costs of the invasive aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides. The research, published in the CABI Agriculture and Bioscience journal, estimates that without any biocontrol the expected yearly…
CABI-led study provides comprehensive review of devastating fall armyworm pest
A CABI-led study involving 57 scientists from 46 different institutions has provided a comprehensive review of the devastating fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) including details on its invasiveness, biology, ecology and management. The research, published in the journal Entomologia Generalis, highlights how fall armyworm (FAW) is serious pest of several crops…
Biological control of Old Man’s Beard
Clematis vitalba is a fast-growing vine that produces vast quantities of seeds and grows intensely as thickets over trees, shrubs and other vegetation. Due to its rapid growth rate and ability to form large clumps, the plant can quickly outcompete native biodiversity and is dangerous to forests which is why…
PhD student steps up fight against ragweed which is rated world’s fourth most serious invasive weed
CABI is co-supervising a new PhD student who is stepping up the fight against common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) which is considered the world’s fourth most serious invasive weed. Common ragweed, which originates from North America, reduces crop yields, shifts flora of natural habitats, and seriously negatively impacts human health. Its…
Study highlights mass rearing capabilities of an important natural enemy to fight brown marmorated stink bug pest
A study involving scientists from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA)-CABI Joint Laboratory (Joint Lab) has highlighted the mass rearing capabilities of a natural enemy to fight the brown marmorated stink bug pest. Dr Feng Zhang, CABI’s Regional Director, East & South-East Asia, led research which shows…