Integrated Pest Management is best approach to fighting fall armyworm pest in Botswana, new study reveals

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A new CABI-led study investigating the impacts, farmer management practices and implications for sustainable ways of fighting the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperga) suggests that an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach is the best way to tackle the devastating crop pest in Botswana. The research, led by Fernadis Makale and Dr…
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Spread of highly invasive apple snail leads to rise in production costs for rice farmers

Apple snail
The invasion of the apple snail Pomacea canaliculata in Kenya is estimated to have led to an increase in production costs for rice farmers in Kirinyaga County with an additional Kshs 9,668,100 spent on 781 acres. A field scoping exercise conducted by CABI – involving stakeholders including the Ministry of…
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PlantwisePlus

Farmers’ crops are increasingly at the mercy of climate change, pests and diseases. PlantwisePlus will work to help countries predict, prepare for and prevent potential threats and reduce crop losses. We will provide comprehensive support to countries and farmers so they meet the increasing global demand for quality food in a changing…
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CABI study assesses the capacity and responsiveness of Kenya’s national invasive species system

Tuta absoluta in Kenya
A new CABI-led study has sought to set out a framework and method for assessing the performance and responsiveness of an invasive species system. The proposed methodology was piloted in Kenya. The objective was to engage with key actors within an invasive species system using a participatory approach to determine…
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CABI explores baculovirus-based insecticides at Entomology 2021

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CABI scientist Dr Ivan Rwomushana is sharing his expertise on baculorvirus-based insecticides to control crop pests – with a specific focus on examples from Kenya – as part of a presentation available online at the Entomology 2021 conference. Dr Rwomushana has recorded his thoughts on the subject in a video…
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New study explores maize diversity for fall armyworm resistance in a warming world

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CABI has contributed to new research which highlights the importance of and need for host plant resistance for fall armyworm (Spodoptera frudiperda) in maize as current maize production in Africa and Asia is under serious threat from the pest and exacerbated by climate change concerns. CABI scientists Dr Feng Zhang,…
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