CABI scientists test model to predict performance of biological control agent against Oriental migratory locust
CABI scientists have led new research which has tested an updated and validated model to predict the performance of a biological control agent to tackle the Oriental migratory locust (Locusta migratoria manilensis) in China. The scientists found that the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae tended to work better on insects with lower…
CABI’s work on the biological control of invasive weeds making great progress
CABI’s work investigating how classical biological control methods can help in the fight against invasive weeds around the world is making excellent progress, according to a new report just published. Scientists from CABI’s centre in Switzerland this year started two new projects – the biological control of black locust (Robinia…
Earth observation to improve critical datasets for pest risk modelling
Rising temperatures have led to pests, diseases and weeds establishing in areas of the world that were previously uninhabitable. Furthermore, growth in global trade and new trade pathways increase the risk of accidental movement of pests. Earth Observation (EO) and climatic data can help by improving predictions about where potential…
Biocontrol of papaya mealybug in East Africa
Papaya mealybug invaded East Africa between 2015 to 2020. The pest causes 57%- 91% yield and £2,224/ha household economic losses annually and severely impacts the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. As a means of control, nearly 51% of farmers manage the pest using pesticides which harm insect biodiversity in addition to…
CABI’s expertise in biological control of weeds in Latin America highlighted during Science Summit at UNGA78
CABI’s expertise in the biological control of weeds in Latin America has been highlighted during the 9th edition of the Science Summit around the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78). This includes the use of Classical Biological Control (CBC) for Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs) such as rubber vine (Cryptostegia madagascariensis)…
CABI supports floating pennywort weevil release in Barnsley, UK
A joint venture between Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency has funded the release of a biocontrol agent at a site in Barnsley, Yorkshire, UK, to help tackle one of our most invasive aquatic plants – floating pennywort. In July 2023, the weevil was introduced into a large pond owned…