The Solution or Another Problem??

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) believes it has found a solution to Japanese knotweed. The downside is that it involves introducing another alien species from Japan!

Psyllid Aphalara itadori, a 2mm, brown bug will be released onto 'a handful' of sites this spring.

Our Views at IVM;

We feel that although this seems like a good idea at first glance, it is far from the answer to the problem. Our mains points of concern, in Layman's terms are;

• They only control the plant - they do not eradicate it.

• If these Japanese bugs are so good, why is there still Japanese knotweed in Japan?

• They don't come with a insurance backed guarantee

• How do CABI & DEFRA know for a fact that they will not feed on any other plants?

• What will happen further up the food chain when insects/birds start feeding on the bug?

• Will this turn into another Grey Squirrel, Red Squirrel issue?

 

For further reading on the issue, please use the links below:

The Telegraph - Click

BBC News - Click

The Times - Click