Managing invasive species in selected forest ecosystems of South East Asia
Invasive species are threatening forest habitats in South East Asia. They also indirectly affect the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on forests for food, commodities and energy. CABI and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with partners, have developed a project aimed at conserving globally important…
Establishing the psyllid: field studies for the biological control of Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed is highly damaging. It spreads extremely quickly, preventing native vegetation from growing and has significant impacts on infrastructure. Current control methods rely mainly on chemicals. Research however has identified a tiny psyllid from Japan as a suitable and safe agent to control Japanese knotweed in the UK, Canada,…
Biological control of Himalayan balsam
Himalayan balsam has rapidly become one of the UK's most invasive weed species. A lack of natural enemies allows it to successfully compete with native plants for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, reducing biodiversity and contributing to erosion. Traditional control methods are inadequate. This project involves identifying an insect or…
Controlling wild ginger
Plants from the Hedychium genus are widely loved and cultivated as ornamentals but a few are threatening delicate ecosystems in Hawaii, New Zealand, the Macaronesian Archipelago (Azores, Madeira and the Canaries), Brazil, Australia and La Réunion. We are researching natural ways to manage the plants where they have become invasive,…
Azolla control
One of the UK's most invasive plants, the fairy fern or floating water fern causes problems for anglers and water managers. It forms thick mats on the water's surface which can double in size in a few days, blocking out light and killing aquatic flora and fish. Fragmentation of the…
Locating a biological control for tutsan in New Zealand
Tutsan, native to Europe, was introduced to New Zealand but is now a major invasive species. In 2011, CABI's Swiss centre was approached by Landcare Research to investigate prospects for the biological control of tutsan. Surveys in the native range revealed a suite of insects and pathogens. CABI's laboratories in…