Collating and publishing datasheets on impactful invasive species
Invasive species are of significant concern to ecosystems. They are a key driver of global biodiversity loss and species extinctions. Together with climate change, invasive species are causing irreversible damage. Without any mitigation, the spread of invasives will continue and the persistent damaging effects will increase and remain. Having current…
Study shows “strong evidence of exceptional efficiency” of biological control agent against papaya mealybug pest
A CABI-led study has revealed “strong evidence of exceptional efficiency” of a biological control agent in the fight against the papaya mealybug (Paracoccus marginatus) which threatens papaya crops in Kenya and other parts of Africa. The researchers, who outlined their findings in the journal Crop Protection, found that female parasitoids…
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…