Invasive harlequin ladybird causes severe decline of two-spotted ladybird, new long-term study shows
CABI scientists have led an 11-year study which shows how the invasive harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) caused the severe decline of the two-spotted ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) on broadleaved trees and shrubs in northern Switzerland. Lead author Dr Marc Kenis, Head of Risk Analysis and Invasion Ecology based at CABI’s Swiss…
Fighting the desert locust through emergency communication campaigns
The desert locust remains a key threat to food security across Eastern Africa unless mitigation measures are put in place to track and combat them. As part of an emergency response to the risk posed by this pest, CABI and partners joined efforts to develop actionable farmer-friendly desert locust content…
Restoration of degraded grassland can benefit climate change mitigation and key ecosystem services
New research has demonstrated how, in contrast to encroachment by the invasive alien tree species Prosopis julifora (known as `Mathenge` in Kenya or `Promi` in Baringo), the restoration of grasslands in tropical semi-arid regions can both mitigate the impacts of climate change and restore key benefits usually provided by healthy…
New research maps potential global spread of devastating papaya mealybug pest
CABI scientists have mapped the potential global spread of the devastating papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus), highlighting new areas in Africa, Asia and the Americas into which this pest could potentially invade. The papaya mealybug, which is native to Mexico and Central America, can have severe impacts upon livelihoods and food…
CABI scientists reveal evidence that a natural enemy of Asian fruit fly is two species with only one suitable as a biocontrol agent
CABI scientists have led new research which reveals strong evidence that a natural enemy of the prolific Asian fruit fly Drosphila suzukii – previously believed to be one species – is in fact two with only one of the parasitoid proving suitable as a biological control agent against the pest.…
CABI works in partnership to find effective biopesticide to fight devastating Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle
CABI has teamed up with CHAP (Crop Health and Protection) as well as Russell Bio Solutions Ltd and H&T Bioseed to try and find a more environmentally sustainable alternative to the now banned neonic insecticides to fight the devastating Cabbage Stem Flea Beetle Psylliodes chrysocephalus (CSFB). Funded by a grant…