http://www.lincolntown.org/depts/ComCom%20assets/Japanese%20knotweed%201.jpgJust watched a news report on ITV about scientists at Cabi - a not-for-profit agricultural research organisation who are doing trials on introducing a tiny Japanese insect called Aphalara itadori which only feeds on Japanese Knotweed. They apparently stunt its growth which could mean the end to the fight we have with this invasive species.
Japanese Knotweed was introduced to the UK in Victorian times as an ornamental plant, and it grows over 1meter a month. It has no natural predators in the UK so it's growth here has been rife. The scientists have confirmed that the Aphalara itadori eats nothing else and they will be releasing the insect to selected sites this year.
Apparently, knotweed is edible by humans, and tastes like rhubarb. Nettle is another invasive species that is edible, and great for teas, risottos and tastes like spinach........there should be more people or restaurants promoting eating these plants to assist in controlling them. Time to get cooking!
The BBC News website has a time lapse video showing a knotweed plant growing more than 1 meter in 3 weeks, and also a time scale plan of knotweed spread in the UK since 1890 which is quite interesting.
+ BBC News
No comments:
Post a Comment