The introduction of #invasive #alien species is a major driver of #biodiversity loss and action is urgently needed. Now published: "Thematic Assessment Report on Invasive Alien Species and Their Control" by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Summary of the report by Helen E. Roy, @Anibalpauchard and many others like @HannoSeebens, @VVandvik, @franckcourchamp, @inadehnen, @cabbageleek, @lenzner, @Ecoinvasions - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02412-w

The #potato cyst #nematodes #Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida are serious threats to potato production world-wide. Detailed review of research directed at finding marketable potato cultivars that are resistant against these #pests. - Article in the journal Crop Science by Pia Spychalla and Walter S. De Jong - https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.21244

Farmers in Africa promote the biological control of the #papaya #mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus, with "natural enemies field reservoirs" using locally available cheap materials. - Article in the journal Biological Control by Stephen T.O. Othim and others - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2024.105528

The invasion of #insect #pests often requires the introduction and release of host-specific exotic natural enemies. "Proactive biological control" is proposed as a new approach to reduce the long time required for identifying and screening suitable natural enemies for such introductions - article in the journal BioControl by Mark S. Hoddle - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-023-10206-5

#Drosophila species like D. melanogaster and D. suzuki are important #pests of fruits and several viruses reduce their offspring number and lifespan. A new approach to study the biology, transmission and impact of these viruses described in the Proceedings of the Royal Society (Biological Sciences) by Megan A. Wallace and @DarrenObbard - https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.0518

The #coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, is native to Africa, but has invaded all coffee-producing regions around the world, causing yield losses of over 500 million US$ per year. Review in the journal "BioControl" of managing this #pest with emphasis on potential biological control methods by Natalia Moreno-Ramirez and others - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-024-10253-6

The attraction, retention, and persistence of natural enemies within cropping systems are key factors for the success and effectiveness of biological control of #herbivores. The resistance against herbivores improves the biological control by natural enemies like #carnivores and #parasitoids - Review in Biological Control by Victoria M. Pocius and Mônica F. Kersch-Becker - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2024.105515

In Europe, the aim is to half the use of #pesticides by 2030. #Glyphosate is the most commonly used broad-spectrum #herbicide for #weed control. What are the current uses of glyphosate and what are the possible alternatives? Review of a workshop in the journal Weed Research by Paul Neve and others like @lenaulber - https://doi.org/10.1111/wre.12624

In the Mediterranean Basin, #alien #plants threaten the biodiversity of the region. Analysis of their current and likely future distribution shows that alien plants are currently mainly found along the coastlines, but are likely to spread in the future. Article in the journal "Ecography" by Luigi Cao Pinna and others - https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.07085

No recommendations exist for the #biocontrol of #aphids in winter high tunnel #crops like #spinach and #strawberry. Three commercially available #predators (insidious flower bug, two-spotted lady beetle and the common green lacewing) in combination with 3 #biorational products were tested against aphids like the potato aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) - article in the journal Biocontrol by Samantha A. Willden and others - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2024.105511