Wildlife Minister Huw Irranca-Davies has today given the go-ahead for the release of an insect, called a psyllid, to help stop the spread of Japanese Knotweed.
Japanese Knotweed is listed by the World Conservation Union as one of the world's 100 worst invasive species - read the full DEFRA press release.
Mr Irranca-Davies said: “Japanese Knotweed causes over £150 million worth of damage and disruption throughout the UK every year. 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.”
The psyllid Aphalara itadori is about 2mm in length and it sucks the sap from its host, leading to significant degradation to the target plant - More on psyllid Aphalara itadori.
This video provides some useful facts and information other invasive weed species in the UK.
Dick Shaw's Japanese knotweed presentation from CABI Video on Vimeo.
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