Opportunities for natural enemy to fight devastating fall armyworm, review highlights

Telenomus remus
A new CABI-led review has highlighted mass rearing techniques, estimated costs of mass production and release strategies for the natural enemy Telenomus remus that suggests it could be effective in the fight against the devastating fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in affected countries. The study, published in CABI Agriculture and Bioscience,…
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Tiny mite shows promise as biological control agent to fight Australian swamp stonecrop in UK and Europe

Aculus crassulae induced galls on Crassula helmsii at UK release site
A new study led by CABI scientists has confirmed that a tiny mite, Aculus crassulae, shows promise to be used as a more environmentally-friendly biological control agent against the aquatic weed Crassula helmsii in the UK and Europe. The research, published in the journal Biological Control, reveals that A. crassulae…
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New CABI-led study examines relationship between two natural enemies of brown marmorated stink bug pest

Brown marmorated stink bug on cherry
A new CABI-led study has examined the relationship between two closely-related natural enemies of the brown marmorated stink bug in respect of how they interact when trying to attack the fruit and nut pest’s egg masses. The brown marmorated stink bug is a global pest which in 2016 caused $60m…
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CABI to assess biological controls in fight against diamondback moth, fall and beet armyworms in Malaysia

Diamondback moth
CABI is preparing to conduct efficacy field trials for safer-to-use and more environmentally-friendly biological control products to tackle the devastating crop pests diamondback moth, fall armyworm and beet armyworm in Malaysia. Scientists at CABI’s regional centre in Malaysia have been commissioned by AgBiTech – a global leader in biological solutions…
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CABI looks to help turn the tide on Ascension Island’s prickly issue of invasive Mexican thorn

Spreading Mexican Thorn on Ascension-4
CABI is working in partnership with the Ascension Island Government Conservation and Fisheries Directorate (AIGCFD) as part of a new project to tackle Ascension Island’s prickly problem of the highly invasive Mexican thorn (Prosopis juliflora) – the most damaging invasive species on the island. Funded by The Darwin Initiative –…
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Managing the pathogens threatening St Helena’s biodiversity and food security

Black cabbage trees
St Helena’s endemic trees and insects are under threat, possibly due to introduced pathogens or changes to the range of endemic pathogens due to climate change. This project will survey and identify pathogens associated with tree death (including nursery-raised stock), and insect populations. Additionally, crop diseases will be surveyed and…
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