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Consultation on the possible release of a biocontrol agent to control Japanese knotweed

Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government are seeking views on the possible release of an insect, a psyllid species Aphalara itadori, as a control for Japanese knotweed, Fallopia japonica. This joint consultation is aimed at all those with an interest in the impact of Japanese knotweed on the natural and built environment, including the horticulture industry, landscape managers and contractors and people interested in the control of invasive species. If approved the release of this organism would be the first use of a non-native insect species to control a plant species in the UK and Europe.

There are two regulatory processes involved – release of non-native bio-control agents is controlled under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, while there are restrictions on the import and release of non-native plant pests under the Plant Health Order 2005.

The closing date for the consultation is Monday 19 October 2009.

Documents relevant to this consultation are:

Further Information

 

Page published: 23 July 2009