Plant-eating bugs to be released in UK

14:55 15th March 2010

Experts are set to release a species of plant-eating bugs into the UK environment in the hope of controlling a troublesome weed.

The Japanese knotweed's growth has become a real problem and the government has given the green light to introduce a non-native species in an attempt to resolve the issue.

Known as Aphalara itadori, the psyllid feeds on the sap of knotweed and will be the first non-native insect to be introduced for environmental reasons in Europe.

Despite this, wildlife minister Huw Irranca-Davies believes that the plan will be a success, calling it "ground-breaking" and suggesting that it could redress the balance of nature.

Should the insects begin to attack other plants or bugs, experts will be on hand with pesticides to keep the situation under control.

The release will only occur at a few locations in England, with more to follow if it is a success.

Meanwhile, the Royal Horticultural Society recently posted a list of the five most troublesome plant diseases to pester UK gardeners in the last year, with honey fungus being number one.