Japanese "knot" weed

[clf-gas]

Its a bain of a lot of gardeners lives, and others.

Should it be allowed to introduce a fungus/bacteria or an insect to help combat its spread. I can see the aid of a "fungus" helping, but surley an insect has the ability to take a liking to native plants, thinkinking about it so does a fungi.

I have a problem with a malaysian weed, dont know its true name, though it has white through to a dark pink flower, also the seed pods explode on contact, its so vigourus even the compost heap is affected.

 

[Steve69the69Gas]

Napalm

 

[libby lou lou]

This insect has been ( they say,) checked by the authorities, that it will not affect native species, doesn't mention affecting other creatures or birds etc.

Your own problem is himalayan balsam, which has been covering river banksides for years, a real nuisance like the knot weed smothering all native flora and fauna. They both seem to be as bad as each other

 

[mattylad]

What is this insect going to do when it has eaten all the knotweed?

Go hungry & die out? I doubt it, it will change its food source & find something nice & tasty to eat,like oh... lets say "wheat" !

This is not a good idea, we will have problems with an introduced species
just like other countries have had in the past introducing new species.

Joe-90 was introduced here & look at the trouble he caused

 

[tim west]

reminds me of that ryme about the old lady that swallowed a fly. dont they ever learn these scientisits, remember myxamotosis, cane toads etc etc

 

[gangman]

The insects have already been tried. Probably about thirty years ago, I remember them trying to get rid of the knotweed on a NCB site in South Wales. It didn't work, either the climate or a native species killed off the bugs that were brought in.

 

[libby lou lou]

Can you possibly help me out by supplying a link to this please?

Ido have a vague recollection.