Topic: Bug could halt spread of superweed

[kt.]

This could be good.  Don't know how it will affect the UK eco system though.  Check this possible insecticide out:

http://environment.uk.msn.com/news/headlines/article.aspx?cp-documentid=10115502

[tonybloke]

they've been touting this since '06, it also eats other plants!

[daileg]

what i read up on was it was only to suck on Japenees Knot weed im proberly wrong but would be nice as i suffer withthis on our site sick of digging all those white roots out get everywhere . glad i havent horse tail thats got to be the worst !!!!

[valmarg]

The problem I have with introducing 'control' bugs is, what happens to them when  they have outlived their usefulness.

The Australians introduced the cane toad to control rats.  They no longer have rats, but they have loads and loads of cane toads.

valmarg

[redimp]

Typical human behaviour.  Years ago, ignorant Victorians messed with nature and introduced knotweed.  Modern solution, mess with nature even more to make it 'better'.  When will we learn? ::)

[valmarg]

I think, with regard to the japanese knotweed, the victorian plant hunters unbeknowingly found a right thug, and introduced into the UK.

The plant hunters had found some wonderful varieties of plants to introduce into the UK, but unfortunately the japanese knotweed was not one of them.

valmarg

[growmore]

Selective pests eh  :-\  I have got to agree with Clanger ..We will reap what we sow . Ain't we got enough pests without importing more ?..

[valmarg]

If you look back to my first posting on this thread, I think it was me that advised caution.  I quoted the case in Australia of the cane toad.

What might seem like 'a good idea at the time', could well come back to haunt you. ;D ;D

valmarg

[OllieC]

If you look back to my first posting on this thread, I think it was me that advised caution.  I quoted the case in Australia of the cane toad.

What might seem like 'a good idea at the time', could well come back to haunt you. ;D ;D

valmarg

And there was the case with Giant African snails on some island - the predator preferred the local snail that was being endangered...  ::)

I say live with knotweed - better the devil you know! At least knotweed isn't endangering any native species.

[Froglegs]

I say live with knotweed - better the devil you know! At least knotweed isn't endangering any native species.

In a way its is,as it chokes our native species out.but i agree with growmore we don't need to import yet another pest.

[OllieC]

I say live with knotweed - better the devil you know! At least knotweed isn't endangering any native species.

In a way its is,as it chokes our native species out.but i agree with growmore we don't need to import yet another pest.

Oh, I didn't realise. What's it choking?

[Froglegs]

I say live with knotweed - better the devil you know! At least knotweed isn't endangering any native species.

In a way its is,as it chokes our native species out.but i agree with growmore we don't need to import yet another pest.

Oh, I didn't realise. What's it choking?

once it get established nothing will grow under it.

[OllieC]

I'm just bitter - I have to live with Marestail... we all have our crosses!

[valmarg]

I say live with knotweed - better the devil you know! At least knotweed isn't endangering any native species.

In a way its is,as it chokes our native species out.but i agree with growmore we don't need to import yet another pest.

Oh, I didn't realise. What's it choking?

once it get established nothing will grow under it.
quote]

Neat glyphosate painted on the leaves does a brilliant job of inhibiting new growth.

valmarg

[littlebabybird]

even poison manure doesnt kill marestail
lbb

[Robert_Brenchley]

Spring bulbs and Cyclamen will grow happily under Jaanese knotweed. the Council's currently dealing with it, but we've had some massive stands on the site, thanks to a former committee member who allegedly introduced it, and certainly spread it round the site.

[valmarg]

According to the November issue of the RHS magazine The Garden- "The project to release the psyllids will go to public consultation ahead of a proposed release in summer next year if it is approved.
www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/non-native/knotweed.htm

valmarg

[growmore]

They may consult us, but In my opinion at the end of the day they will do as they want ..Will this be another imported quick fix that will come back and bite us? It's a lot easier to release stuff than to sort it out once it goes pear shaped.