We know from the Japanese knotweed psyllid that it can kill young shoots and slow down or even stop the growth of the plant by sucking up sap – nutrition – from the plant. Japanese knotweed was first found in the wild in Wales in the 1880s. After extensive testing and review by federal agencies (USDA/APHIS), on March 20th, 2020, the Knotweed Psyllid (Aphalara itadori) was approved for release in the U.S. as the country’s first biocontrol agent for Japanese knotweed. The fast-growing plant can grow up to 13 feet tall and is so strong it can break through paving stones and tarmac. The psyllid Aphalara itadori is a true knotweed specialist that sucks the sap from the plant. The psyllid release programme began … The leaf flea, also known as the Japanese knotweed psyllid (Aphalara itadori), is a natural predator of knotweed. Current UK control methods. Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is a highly damaging invasive species affecting UK infrastructure and biodiversity. The psyllid Aphalara itadori will be the first biological control used against Japanese knotweed, as well as the related Bohemian and giant knotweeds. Public consultation news update regarding the ministerial approval by Defra on 9 March 2010 to release the psyllid. Japanese knotweed was introduced to the UK by the Victorians as an ornamental plant, but it soon escaped from gardens and began its rampant spread throughout the UK. It has hollow stems with distinct raised nodes that give it the appearance of bamboo, and they may reach a maximum height of 3m each growing season–4 (Royal Horticultural Society, 2018). Kate Constantine, one of the CABI scientists working on the project, said: “The results confirmed the psyllid to be a high-specialised natural enemy of Japanese knotweed. Consent for experimental releases of the psyllid, Aphalara itadori was granted by Fera and Welsh Government in 2010. Suzanne Lommen of the Institute of Biology Leiden coordinates the field trials. Research however has identified a tiny psyllid from Japan as a suitable and safe agent to control Japanese knotweed in the UK. Monitoring is continuing. Huw Irranca-Davies, the wildlife minister, said: ‘This project is not only ground-breaking, it offers real hope that we can redress the balance. Add text, web link, video & audio hotspots on top of your image and 360 content. “We know from the Japanese knotweed psyllid that it can kill young shoots and slow down or even stop the growth of the plant by sucking up sap – nutrition – from the plant. Current projects include hemlock woolly adelgid, emerald ash What is Japanese knotweed? One of these release sites is in Cornwall. Moreover, buckwheat is grown all over Japan in close proximity to knotweed, but the psyllid is not listed as a pest of buckwheat there. It was introduced by the Victorians for horticulture. This is to ensure that we give you the best experience possible. In these areas, native vegetation is all but eliminated. The psyllid preferred the knotweed to buckwheat, and it showed little aptitude for establishing itself in the crop. Cookies on Japanese Knotweed Alliance. Dr Kate Constantine, from CABI, said: 'The results confirmed the psyllid to be a high-specialised natural enemy of Japanese knotweed. But with no natural enemies in the UK it soon raged out of control, wiping out surrounding vegetation and threatening wildlife. Japanese Knotweed Vs psyllid Aphalara itadori . 'If the psyllid can establish, reproduce and spread, and do the damage we see in the breeding trials, it can hopefully inhibit the growth and spread of Asian knotweed. Worldwide it is prohibited to release exotic species into nature. Concern because it creates problems in salmon restoration efforts with its clusters of white. Approval by Defra on 9 March 2010 to release the psyllid, is an Asian with. Itadori, the Japanese knotweed – an invasive plant that is Proving Impossible to control the! 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