Most read blogs of 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, we’ve tallied the numbers to reveal the top 10 most read blogs on the PlantwisePlus Blog this year, plus a few firm favourites! Our most read blogs feature voices from those benefiting from our work, as well as crop pest guides, digital tools, and invasive species management, highlighting the…
Rooting out parthenium: A milestone moment for sustainable weed management in Pakistan
Parthenium hysterophorus, commonly known as parthenium or “famine weed”, is one of Pakistan’s most damaging invasive species. It spreads aggressively, suppresses crop productivity, threatens grazing lands, impacts biodiversity, and poses serious health risks to humans and livestock. Over the past decade, CABI has led a comprehensive, science-based campaign to address this threat. Now, as the…
Understanding invasive species in agriculture: introduction, impact, and management
Invasive species are a growing threat to sustainable agriculture worldwide. When they are introduced into a region, they can spread rapidly, damage crops, disrupt ecosystems, affect native biodiversity, and result in significant economic losses. Understanding how invasive species are introduced to new areas is crucial in preventing their spread and protecting global food systems.
How do pest risk registers address the spread of plant pests in Africa?
Pest risk registers can help to solve problems in agriculture, addressing the growing global threat of plant pests. Moreover, changing weather patterns, led by rising temperatures, are causing them to reproduce faster and expand into new regions. In addition, global trade and increased movement of people are accelerating the spread of pests across borders. These…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
Most read blogs of 2024
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…
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.