As reported widely today, an insect is set to be unleashed to help curb the spread of Japanese Knotweed.
Japanese Knotweed is listed by the World Conservation Union as one of the world's 100 worst invasive species. It grows vigorously at a rate of up to a metre a month, including through tarmac, concrete and drains, causing damage to roads and buildings costing the millions of pounds to remove each year. This deadly plant also damages our natural environment by stopping other plants from growing, and destroying habitats for native species.
Using the insect - called a psyllid - to act as a natural form of pest control, will be the first time that a solution like this has been used to help control the spread of a non-native invasive plant in Europe. Currently is costs the UK economy over £150 million a year to control and clear the plant.
Wildlife Minister, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “This project is not only ground-breaking, it offers real hope that we can redress the balance. These tiny insects, which naturally prey on Japanese Knotweed, will help free local authorities and industry from the huge cost of treating and killing this devastating plant.”
Chair of Environment and Sustainability expert panel at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Ian Nicholson said:
“Japanese Knotweed is a big issue for the construction industry, costing millions of pounds each year to manage. The ICE therefore welcomes any advances in providing solutions to this invasive species, provided of course they do not produce any other negative impacts on the environment.”
CABI – a world expert in natural control methods – have carried out extensive research into the best way to combat Japanese Knotweed with the least impact on the environment. The psyllid was found on Knotweed growing wild in Japan and has now been tested in the UK on over 90 types plants, focussing on closely related native species as well as important crops and ornamental species to ensure it does not attack other plants. If the first phase is successful, the psyllid will be released at further sites where it will continue to be monitored.
Knotty facts:
Japanese Knotweed was introduced in Britain by botanists in the nineteenth century as an ornamental plant.
The Latin name for the insect is Aphalara itadori.
The release of Aphalara itadori follows a public consultation held in July 2009.
The Japanese Knotweed Research Project Board consists of British Waterways, CABI, Cornwall Council, Defra, the Environment Agency, Network Rail, South West Regional Development Agency and Welsh Assembly Government.
Further information on the trials and control of Japanese Knotweed can be found on the
CABI website