CABI has launched a new easy-to-use website dedicated to taking action against invasive species. The website is designed to help users learn more about the “devastating economic, environmental and social impacts invasive species have and what we can do to manage them.”
CABI is an international, inter-governmental, not-for-profit organisation with a history stretching back more than 100 years. It seeks to provide information, skills and tools to people around the world. It has 50 member countries and scientific staff based in a global network of centres.
The new website explains that invasive species have a range of impacts on biodiversity, the environment and people. For example, they have economic impacts on agriculture by reducing crop productivity and soil quality, while increasing the cost of pest control.
Environmental impacts include reduced biodiversity and pollution caused by the overuse of chemicals to control infestations, while the social impacts include reduced incomes and food security, and increased risks to human and animal health.
The website offers more information on a selection of invasive species causing problems around the globe. For example, it focuses on the fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda ) which feeds in large numbers on the leaves and stems of more than 80 plant species, causing major damage in maize, rice, sorghum and sugarcane, alongside other vegetable crops and cotton.
Native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, fall armyworm was identified for the first time in Africa five years ago and is causing significant damage in maize crops, with major potential for further spread and economic damage.
There is also a focus on the tomato pinworm or leafminer (Phthorimaea absoluta , formerly known as Tuta absoluta ). Native to South America, it has been introduced into Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, causing extensive economic damage in tomato crops. Yield losses can hit 100% alongside other impacts such as increases in tomato prices, bans on tomato trading and disruption of Integrated Pest Management programmes.
Emphasising the impact of invasive species on people, the website includes a selection of videos with people who have been severely affected. These include Kenyan smallholder Elias Kamuga, who one year lost around 90% of his tomato crop to the tomato pinworm. There are also interviews with a group of farmers from southern Ghana, who were among the first affected when fall armyworm arrived in Africa and hit their maize crops.
The website also offers access to CABI’s recent research and programme reports. These can be filtered by publication type (book chapters, journal articles, working papers etc.), area of expertise, country and region.
For more information:
Last update: 24/05/2023 - ENDURE © 2009 - Contact ENDURE - Disclaimer