Demonstrating biological approaches for sustainable management of tomato leafminer in Kenya

CABI staff showing Tuta absoluta with farmer
Since 2014, the tomato leafminer has become the most serious threat to the sustainable productivity of tomato in Kenya, causing up to 80% yield loss. Almost 98% of farmers’ crop suffer from this pest and when using pesticides as a control method, only 27% of farmers report success. Building on…
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Rearing natural enemies to control crop pests in Pakistan

Parasitized mealybug by Aenasius bambawalei
Protecting crops from pests and diseases in Pakistan is still reliant on unsustainable pesticide practices. Between 1980 and 2004 the use of pesticide increased by over 6,600 percent, despite yields remaining stagnant over the same period. Since 2004, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods have proved successful for reducing pesticide use…
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CABI scientists track wheat aphids and their natural enemies for better pest management in Pakistan

Aphids damaging wheat spikes
For the first time, CABI scientists have studied the distribution and population dynamics of wheat aphids and their natural enemies in Pakistan through seasons and periods of time. This research could be useful to develop better pest management methods and safer, healthier crops in wheat production.
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Evaluation of fungal pathogens for biocontrol of cat’s claw creeper

Fungal Spots on Cat's Claw
Cat’s claw creeper is a vigorous vine native to tropical Central America and northern South America. Introduced into Australia for ornamental purposes, this troublesome liana escaped cultivation and is now regarded as a significant environmental weed.
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Integrating advanced Earth Observation and environmental information for sustainable pest and disease management

Locust - project target species
Forecasting and monitoring insect pests and disease outbreaks is vital for protecting China’s economically important agricultural sector. By combining information gathered from Earth Observation and environmental data, CABI and partners will design innovative data products and communications tools to help decision makers sustainably manage wheat yellow rust and migratory locusts.…
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Addressing scale insect threats in Kenya

Training session with taxonomists on scale insect collection
In Kenya, scale insect pests are damaging native trees and crops and, consequently, causing yield losses of up-to 91%. Smallholders’ awareness of the threats posed by these insects is low because they are small and cryptic, whilst local entomologists cannot easily identify them.
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