A recent study published in the CABI journal Human-Animal Interactions found that only 30% of show horse owners in Australia agreed with a ban on facial hair trimming prior to its implementation in July 2022. The study also revealed that most disciplines broadly agreed on banning facial hair trimming, except for showing, where only 22....
A new study by CABI confirms the Samurai wasp has minimal impact on native stink bugs, with most non-target species being less parasitized. However, some species with unusual life cycles may face increased risk of parasitism. The study assessed the realized host range of the Samurai wasp and found it to be broader than initially thought.
The study found that smaller agri-SMEs owner-managed by women were more likely to experience disruptions in marketing and maintaining their labour supply. Larger agri-SMEs made changes to comply with government guidelines and sustained their business operations. Multi-faceted support packages are recommended to cushion these enterprises.
A new study reveals that the fall armyworm pest in Sub-Saharan Africa was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to up to 58% maize losses worth US $9.4 billion. The researchers highlight the need for sustainable management of this pest and improved policy practices to manage future threats.
Most smallholder farmers in Uganda surveyed believe they can reduce damage caused by the fall armyworm using various management and control options. They predominantly use chemical control methods, including regular weeding and handpicking, with some farmers also employing biological extracts to combat the pest.
A new study suggests that increased awareness of biopesticide market availability, efficacy, and field application processes could help tackle locust outbreaks in China. The researchers argue that future studies should focus on modeling the expected impact and cost effectiveness of chemicals versus biopesticides.
A study led by Violet Ochieng found that drones can effectively target desert locusts with biopesticides at a height of 10 meters, making it an attractive technology for locust management. The research also highlights the importance of targeting the most susceptible early stages to achieve optimal control.
The CABI Distribution Database contributed to a synoptic review of plant disease epidemics and outbreaks in 2021, identifying 15 new pathogens reported in Asia, Europe, the USA, and other parts of the Americas. The study highlights the time lag between first reports of a pathogen being made and major disease outbreaks being observed.
A new study in Human-Animal Interactions found that young dog owners prefer proactive coping styles when dealing with undesired behavior. The severity of behavioral issues was associated with the strength of emotions in response, with more severe issues eliciting intense emotions.
A recent study found that dog owners are more likely to experience sleep disorders than non-dog owners. Cat ownership was also linked to higher odds of leg jerks during the night. The research suggests that pets may disrupt their owner's sleep due to increased activity at night, particularly with cats.
Scientists have developed a model that estimates adult emergence periods and identifies migratory populations of the yellow-spined bamboo locust based on ovarian development. The study provides key information for predicting pest occurrences and highlights the importance of considering reproductive system development in sustainable pes...
A new CABI-led study found that mass media campaigns improve farmers' knowledge of pesticide risks and safety measures, boost the adoption of environmentally safer alternatives to synthetic pesticides. The campaigns also increase the use of personal protective equipment and reduce pesticide-related illnesses.
The parasitoid Eiphosoma laphygmae is likely to be the best classical biological control from the Americas against the devastating fall armyworm pest, according to a review by CABI scientist Dr. Marc Kenis. This natural enemy of the pest has been found to have high specificity and importance in most native ranges.
A review of gene editing techniques suggests that the CRISPR/Cas method could be a game-changer for rice crops threatened by climate change and high food demand. The study highlights its efficiency in improving yield, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and grain quality.
A new CABI-led study suggests that biopesticides are more effective and environmentally friendly than chemical pesticides for controlling the fall armyworm. The researchers found that untreated plots showed higher larval density and plant damage, while biopesticide treatments showed lower parasitism rates.
Researchers from the Chinese MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory have discovered the optimum time to apply safer-to-use biopesticides to fight the Oriental migratory locust pest. The study, published in Frontiers in Physiology, found that applying biopesticides on younger locusts at dawn or dusk is most effective due to lower body temperatures.
The study found that almost 92% of Africa's maize growing areas support year-round growth of fall armyworm. Almost 95% of the crop is also deemed climatically suitable for fall armyworm, with multiple pests posing significant risks.
A new CABI-led study found that targeting women in communication about the biocontrol method improved its uptake among farming households. However, the use of Trichogramma increased women's labor demands and limited their decision-making role on income from tomato production.
A team of scientists from the USA conducted a study on toddlers' behavior towards helping dogs. The researchers found that children aged 2-3 years were twice as likely to help a dog reach a treat or toy when it showed interest, with factors such as the dog's liveliness and the object being a treat increasing the likelihood of assistance.
A new review by CABI-led experts highlights the organization's decade-long battle against emerging fungal diseases caused by climate change. CABI has developed a powerful toolset of techniques, including DNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF analysis, to identify disease-causing microorganisms.
A new review argues that heat and drought have a significant influence on food security and agricultural production, reducing wheat and maize yields by up to 40% worldwide. The study highlights the need for practical solutions and management to address these challenges.
A new study by CABI suggests that a tiny weevil (Stenopelmus rufinasus) can save Great Britain up to £16.8 million in annual management costs of the invasive aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides. The estimated benefits of the weevil's biocontrol range from £800,000 to £1.6 million per year.
A CABI-led study proposes seven key steps to strengthen Burundi's plant health system, aiming to enhance food security and tap into valuable export markets. The research found inadequate skills and capacity in diagnosing crop pests, hindering agricultural productivity.
The CABI-led study provides a comprehensive review of the devastating fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), highlighting its serious impact on maize and other cereal crops in Africa and parts of Asia and Australasia. The research offers recommendations for research to enhance sustainable management of FAW in invaded regions.
The new book, 'Science Communication Skills for Journalists: A Resource Book for Universities in Africa,' provides a comprehensive resource for journalists and students on science communication. With 22 chapters and five academic papers, the book equips readers to communicate complex scientific findings effectively.
The study found a significant need for stable and durable diagnostics to differentiate infected animals from vaccinated ones. The researchers propose five priorities: vaccinology, antimicrobial resistance, climate mitigation, digital health, and epidemic preparedness.
A One Health approach is vital for sustainably feeding a growing population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. The approach balances the health of people, animals, and ecosystems to optimize net benefits from plant protection.
The current global monkeypox outbreak emphasizes the importance of a preventative One Health approach to minimize the risk of future emergence of known and unknown zoonotic pathogens. This is particularly crucial with the majority of people worldwide living in high population densities in cities, facilitating the spread of infectious d...
Scientists have found that Anastatus japonicus can be efficiently produced for biological control of the brown marmorated stink bug on kiwifruit crops. The study suggests that large-scale rearing and field release testing are needed to evaluate efficacy and non-target effects.
A CABI-led study reveals a multi-channel information campaign significantly increases maize yields for smallholder farmers in Eastern Rwanda by up to 34%. The research also found that the approach benefits farmers in the region, improving their ability to manage fall armyworm pests.
A new study published in the CABI Agriculture & Bioscience journal found that women place greater importance on autonomous social relations, while men value financial-related decisions. Psychological well-being is an important resource for both genders, and location plays a significant role in shaping empowerment resources.
A new CABI-led study identifies key institutional and policy barriers to the adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Africa. Despite its potential for economic and environmental benefits, IPM's uptake is patchy due to regional and national agricultural policies prioritizing production over sustainability.
The study proposes the establishment of local Biological Control Agent (BCA) hubs to fight the devastating fall armyworm pest in Bangladesh. The hubs would be owner-managed by farm entrepreneurs and provide nucleus culture and technical support, allowing for non-linear business models that reverse low uptake of safer-to-use BCAs.
A new study reviewed progress made towards an eco-friendly insect pest management approach in subtropical agro-ecosystems in South Africa. The research highlights the need for integrated pest management strategies to reduce Maximum Residue Levels caused by pesticide use.
A new study highlights the main constraints to pumpkin and watermelon production in Uganda, including pests, diseases, and drought. The research provides recommendations for improving yields and increasing farmers' income, such as training on integrated pest management and establishing certified seed systems.
The study identified 21 arthropods, 9 nematodes, and 20 pathogenetic species that pose a threat to Kenya's crops and biodiversity. The prioritized species include silverleaf whitefly, peace fruit fly, and yellow crazy ant, which require further monitoring and mitigating action.
A study by CABI found that 64% of farmers are willing to pay for visits to Plantwise plant clinics to receive advice on crop pests and diseases. The average cost per visit is around $0.27USD, $0.85USD, and $2.225USD in Bangladesh, Rwanda, and Zambia respectively.
Scientists and experts are calling on governments to recognize the importance of animal welfare for sustainable development. The commentary highlights how animal agriculture contributes to climate change, infectious disease emergence, and environmental degradation.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has granted permission for Aceria angustifoliae, a shoot-and-flower-attacking eriophyid mite, to be released in Canada under the authority of the Canadian Plant Protection Act. The mite is expected to help control Russian olive's aggressive spread and was assessed as having a very narrow host range.
A CABI-led study has developed the first forecasting models targeting Fall Armyworm larval populations in Africa to assist farmers in making management interventions and prevent damage. The models were validated using real-time earth observation data and pest occurrence within a farmer's field, resulting in a reduced population of FAW ...
A field cage study in Switzerland found that a parasitoid was highly specific to the invasive fruit fly Drosophila suzukii, with only 15% parasitism rate. In contrast, non-target species showed a very rare parasitism rate of 0.02%. The results support previous laboratory experiments and suggest low risk for non-target effects.
A CABI-led review found opportunities for increased policy coordination to achieve win-win results for both climate adaptation and Invasive Species Management (ISM) in the four countries. The study identifies sub-national planning and governance systems as an optimal area for integration of policy and practice.
A CABI-led study has ranked nearly 200 potentially harmful invasive alien plant species in Ghana that could have a detrimental impact on agriculture, forestry, and biodiversity. The top-ranked arthropod and pathogenic species include the pink hibiscus mealybug, melon thrips, cassava brown streak virus, and maize lethal necrosis disease.
The review suggests that Telenomus remus has high potential to successfully suppress fall armyworm and related pests. A regional approach could work well, and the use of T. remus will be best done as part of an Integrated Pest Management programme.
A new study confirms a tiny mite, Aculus crassulae, shows promise as a biological control agent against the invasive aquatic weed Crassula helmsii in the UK and Europe. The research reveals that A. crassulae favours C. helmsii, reducing its vegetative growth and promoting leaf senescence.
A new study found that degradation due to swidden agriculture leads to reduced native ant species diversity and increased introduced ant species diversity. Closed canopy forests, however, had the highest ant species diversity and were compositionally unique.
The project will appraise global initiatives and support improved evidence-based intervention design for SIS systems, identifying successful approaches and areas for innovation. It aims to understand how soils information informs national policies and strategic planning.
A CABI-led study developed a framework for assessing the performance and responsiveness of an invasive species system in Kenya. The approach enabled identifying opportunities and challenges from various actor perspectives, highlighting the need for better financing, leadership, and coordination to effectively manage invasive species.
CABI has been awarded a $4.5 million contract from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to increase capacity for managing FAIR data standards. The project aims to ensure available data on agricultural development is based upon Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable principles.
A new study explores maize diversity for fall armyworm resistance, revealing clear evidence of FAW resistance in diverse mechanisms across various landraces and crop wild relatives. The research calls for strategies to develop FAW-resistant maize varieties as a way forward to secure maize production and smallholder farmers' livelihoods.