Can this tiny insect save Britain from deadly grip of Japanese knotweed?

Byline: BY MIKE SWAIN SCIENCE EDITOR

HE'S just two millimetres long, but this ugly sucker could turn out to be Britain's greatest eco-warrior.

The tiny insect is set to be brought in to combat the scourge of UK gardeners ... the dreaded Japanese knotweed.

And he is being hailed as the ultimate solution to the prolific Oriental invader that can crack concrete and split tarmac.

The sap-sucking psyllid leaf louse feeds exclusively on the fast-spreading weed, which can grow three metres in as many months and has already invaded the London Olympics site.

Now scientists say the insect should be introduced across the country in a pioneering bio-experiment to control the relentless rampage of knotweed, first brought to Britain in 1840.

Scientists at CABI, a non-profit making environmental organisation, say the plan could save pounds 1.56billion on weedkiller costs alone.

Researcher Dr Dick Shaw said: "Doing nothing is not an option, so we are applying a century-old technique to a new target and are very hopeful of an effective and sustainable outcome. The impacts of Japanese knotweed are severe. It crowds out native plants and reduces opportunities for wildlife."

The scientists are now asking the Government for the go-ahead after extensive research to ensure the insect's introduction does not upset the delicate balance of nature.

Dr Shaw said: "Our priority is safety and that is why we have spent the last five years testing the idea."

CAPTION(S):

CHEWSY Insect only eats weed; ACTUAL SIZE The sap-sucking psyllid is barely 2mm in length