Pest preparedness in action: Preventing the coconut hispine beetle invasion in Bangladesh

The coconut hispine beetle (Brontispa longissima) is a destructive pest of palms, including coconut palms. It is a major pest in Southeast Asia, the Pacific and parts of South Asia. For several years, Bangladesh has recognized the potential threat that the beetle poses. It has worked to prevent its outbreak using a pest preparedness strategy.…
Read Further

Horizon scanning for climate-driven pest threats can prevent biodiversity loss

On International Day for Biological Diversity, CABI’s Dr MaryLucy Oronje looks at horizon scanning and pest preparedness – approaches that help prevent the spread of invasive species, a major threat to biodiversity. Horizon scanning for invasive pests is crucial for preventing biodiversity loss. The early identification and assessment of emerging threats allow ecosystems to be…
Read Further

Biocontrol that goes the distance: Acerophagus papayae in Kenya

Acerophagus papayae can slow the spread of the invasive papaya mealybug and benefit the wider community. Recent monitoring efforts have shown that the natural enemy is reaching long distances away from the original release sites. Invasive species pose a persistent threat to agriculture, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where favourable conditions allow rapid spread…
Read Further

Invasive apple snail in Kenyan irrigation scheme could potentially spread to more areas 

Experts consider the invasive apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata)  one of the world’s worst invasive alien species. This species is native to South America and invades freshwater systems. It spreads rapidly and is very adaptable to stressful environmental conditions and changes. It also has high reproductive rates and strong defence mechanisms. Additionally, the areas it invades…
Read Further

Most read blogs of 2024

Image of Papayas, ready to sell. Our Common Papaya Disorders: A Comprehensive Guide one of our most-read blog posts this year.
As 2024 comes to a close, we’ve tallied the numbers to reveal the most read blogs on the PlantwisePlus Blog this year—plus a few firm favourites! Our most read blogs cover crop pest guides, digital tools, and biocontrols for invasive species, highlighting the impactful work we do with smallholder farmers, policymakers, and communities. Did any…
Read Further

Understanding mango mealybug – a significant crop pest

The mango mealybug (Rastrococus invadens) is an invasive pest outside its native home in Southeast Asia. It threatens mango crops, particularly affecting smallholder farmers. This scale insect pest lowers mango yields and quality, and because it’s a quarantine pest, it can also impact trade.
Read Further

Celebrating success: Zambian smallholders combat cassava brown streak disease

Cassava is a critical crop to Zambia’s economy and food security. According to a 2019 paper, cassava (Manihot esculenta) is one of the most important root staple crops in Zambia. An estimated 30% of Zambians – over four million people – consume cassava as part of their daily diet. Indeed, this crop is so important…
Read Further

Writeshop to draft National Pesticide Residue Monitoring Framework for Kenya

Photo2
A writeshop has led to the creation of a draft National Pesticide Residue Monitoring Framework for Kenya aimed at coordinating pesticides residue monitoring for domestic and export value chains. This writeshop follows a series of virtual meetings held in the months of May and July 2024 that aimed at examining the situation on pesticide monitoring…
Read Further

What are Natural Enemies Field Reservoirs, and how do they help farmers control crop pests?

CABI and extension staff inspecting a NEFR
Classical biological control (CBC) is a widely used type of biological control that is proven to be effective in managing invasive pests. This method involves releasing natural enemies like parasitoids or fungi that can keep pest populations under control. However, additional technology, such as natural enemies field reservoirs – or NEFRs – can improve CBC…
Read Further

Shaping sustainable management of the South American tomato leafminer in Vietnam 

The global damage caused by the South American tomato leafminer (Phthorimaea absoluta) poses a significant threat to tomato production worldwide, including in Vietnam. Since its first official recording in Son La province in 2019, tomato growers have faced potential crop losses of 80–100%. A combination of its spread and ability to develop resistance to pesticides…
Read Further