BioSpace project provides early warning system for locust and fall armyworm pests in China and Laos
CABI is working in partnership to utilise space-enabled remote sensing technology to help tackle migratory locusts and the fall armyworm in China and Laos with an emphasis on promoting more environmentally-friendly biopesticide controls. The BioSpace project, funded by the Science Technology and Facilities Council, will act as an early-warning system…
CABI conducts first assessment of invasive plants which threaten wildlife habitats in Laikipia County, Kenya
CABI scientists have led the first assessment of naturalised, invasive and potentially invasive plant species present in Laikipia County, Kenya, which hosts the highest populations of endangered large mammals in the country. The research led by Dr Arne Witt suggests that a range of invasive alien plants pose a series…
CABI helps to develop guidelines for procurement and use of Invertebrate Biological Control Agents in Ghana
With the technical assistance of CABI, the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD) of Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture has develop guidelines to regulate the procurement and use of Invertebrate Biological Control Agents (IBCAs) and other beneficial organisms in Ghana. The guidelines will provide guidance on and procedures…
Evaluating the mycoherbicide potential of a leaf-spot pathogen against Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive weed that impacts severely on native biodiversity and local infrastructure in its introduced range. Whilst chemicals are currently used to control the weed, this approach is costly and unsustainable. Biological control is an alternative method. The damaging leaf-spot fungus, Mycosphaerella polygoni-cuspidati, which attacks the…
New monitoring and reporting framework aims to better protect World Heritage Sites from invasive alien species
A team of international scientists have devised a new monitoring and reporting framework to help protect World Heritage Sites from almost 300 different invasive alien species globally including, rats (Rattus spp.), cats (Felis catus), lantana (Lantana camara) and Argentine ants (Linepithema humile). Lead author Dr Ross Shackleton joined invasive species…
Study shows low risk of non-target attack of European plant species by hay fever-causing ragweed ‘bug’
A team of international scientists believe that the accidentally introduced leaf beetle Ophraella communa poses a low risk to native European plant species other than the invasive hay fever-causing ragweed species (like common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia) which it does attack. PhD student Benno Augustinus, who is being co-supervised by CABI’s…