Jumping plant lice could be unleashed by the Government to tackle the aggressive Japanese Knotweed, which costs millions of pounds in restoration projects because of the damage it does to buildings, roads and railways.
Plans to introduce the sap-sucking insect will be considered in relation to green issues as well because knotweed also invades habitats, prevents other plants from growing and erodes river banks.
The weed has flourished in the countryside with no natural enemies to fight it and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said in 2003 that an eradication plan by normal means could cost £1.56 billion.
Scientists at research organisation CABI are confident, after five years of studies, that the introduction of the Aphalara itadori is a better way to keep knotweed under control than the other laborious methods using herbicides and the physical removal of plants.
A consultation process for Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government to consider licences to release the insect will close on October 19 and ministers will be looking for people’s opinions about the scheme.
