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…
Climate change risks highlighted as Bangladesh prepares to repel possible locust invasion
‘Aberrant and erratic climatic behaviour triggered by global warming’ has been highlighted as the cause of the ‘rapid and sudden upsurge’ of locusts unleashing destruction around the world as Bangladesh prepares to repel a possible invasion. Dr Malvika Chaudhary, Asia Regional Coordinator for the CABI-led Plantwise programme, is lead author…
CABI shares expertise on papaya mealybug in new technical brief addressing management of the pest in Kenya
CABI scientists have shared their expertise on the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) as part of a new multiagency technical brief addressing the description, identification and sustainable management of the pest in Kenya. The brief, which contains the latest agreed advice for papaya mealybug management, will be used to support the…
Identifying the origin of yellow floating heart, Nymphoides peltata
Yellow floating heart, Nymphoides peltata, was introduced in North America in the late 19th century as an ornamental plant. Since its introduction, it has steadily spread and been repeatedly introduced across the United States and parts of Canada. Where introduced, yellow floating heart can outcompete native vegetation and phytoplankton, and…
CABI supports first release in Switzerland of natural enemy for the brown marmorated stink bug
CABI’s Dr Tim Haye has supported colleagues at Agroscope with the first release in Switzerland of the Samurai wasp which, if field trials prove successful, could prove to be a formidable foe against the devastating fruit and nut pest Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug. Dr Haye, who is…
Study calls for urgent plan to manage invasive weed which threatens livelihoods in Africa
CABI scientists have conducted research which is calling for an urgent integrated management strategy, including biological control, to fight the invasive weed Mimosa diplotricha which is threatening livelihoods in eastern and southern Africa. Dr Arne Witt, lead author of the study published in the journal Bothalia, said that over half…