2mm insect can tackle superweed; WILDLIFE.

A TINY insect could be introduced to the UK to stop the spread of a Japanese superweed.

The 2mm sap-sucking psyllid feeds only on knotweed which can crack concrete and grow to 9ft.

It has already spread across towns and countryside, including the Olympics 2012 site in Stratford, East London.

Scientists at CABI, an environment organisation, claim the psyllid could save pounds 1.56billion on weedkiller.

Dr Dick Shaw said: "We are applying an old technique to a new target and are hopeful of an effective outcome."

The plans have been sent to government. If approved, it would be the first time the process of biocontrol has been used to control a plant species in Europe.