Credit: CABI
CABI scientists have updated the first major study of potential biological controls that could be used in the fight against the devastating fall armyworm in Africa. The research offers new insight into evidence of their efficacy in the field and increased availability as commercial products.
Indeed, the review, published in the
Journal of Applied Entomology, includes many biocontrol products which are now featured in the CABI BioProtection Portal - a free web-based tool that enables users to discover information about registered biocontrol and biopesticide products around the world.
The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) attacks around 100 species of plant but favours maize. It has already caused substantial damage to staple crops grown by smallholder farmers in many parts of Africa.