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…
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…