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Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
Hi
If anyone's interested I've just been told to look out for Simon Ford on BBC Breakfast news tomorrow morning. He'll be live from Newark Park between 0700 and 0900 discussing Japanese Knotweed and a new DEFRA consultation about introducing an insect to eat it. That's all the info I have but I thought it might be of interest to someone. Tim -- http://www.flickr.com/photos/lusername/ http://www.timdenning.myby.co.uk/ |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
Tim wrote:
Hi If anyone's interested I've just been told to look out for Simon Ford on BBC Breakfast news tomorrow morning. He'll be live from Newark Park between 0700 and 0900 discussing Japanese Knotweed and a new DEFRA consultation about introducing an insect to eat it. That's all the info I have but I thought it might be of interest to someone. Tim May cause an even greater problem - look at the introduction of the Cane Toad in Queensland. Then again, in the same country, the Mexican Cochineal insect wiped out the Opuntia which had gone crazy over there, and then died out as its host plant had gone. -- Jeff |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
In message , Jeff Layman
writes Tim wrote: Hi If anyone's interested I've just been told to look out for Simon Ford on BBC Breakfast news tomorrow morning. He'll be live from Newark Park between 0700 and 0900 discussing Japanese Knotweed and a new DEFRA consultation about introducing an insect to eat it. That's all the info I have but I thought it might be of interest to someone. Tim May cause an even greater problem - look at the introduction of the Cane Toad in Queensland. Then again, in the same country, the Mexican Cochineal insect wiped out the Opuntia which had gone crazy over there, and then died out as its host plant had gone. There's already been press about this. Supposedly they've been careful about testing that the insect doesn't switch to any native plants. See, for example http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Predator...bug.5027366.jp -- Stewart Robert Hinsley |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
Tim wrote: Hi If anyone's interested I've just been told to look out for Simon Ford on BBC Breakfast news tomorrow morning. He'll be live from Newark Park between 0700 and 0900 discussing Japanese Knotweed and a new DEFRA consultation about introducing an insect to eat it. That's all the info I have but I thought it might be of interest to someone. Tim Meddling.......again :( -- Pete C London UK |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
Stewart Robert Hinsley wrote:
In message , Jeff Layman writes Tim wrote: Hi If anyone's interested I've just been told to look out for Simon Ford on BBC Breakfast news tomorrow morning. He'll be live from Newark Park between 0700 and 0900 discussing Japanese Knotweed and a new DEFRA consultation about introducing an insect to eat it. That's all the info I have but I thought it might be of interest to someone. Tim May cause an even greater problem - look at the introduction of the Cane Toad in Queensland. Then again, in the same country, the Mexican Cochineal insect wiped out the Opuntia which had gone crazy over there, and then died out as its host plant had gone. There's already been press about this. Supposedly they've been careful about testing that the insect doesn't switch to any native plants. See, for example http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Predator...bug.5027366.jp More info he http://www.cabi.org/japaneseknotweed...te=139&page=50 I find this statement in tha FAQs interesting: "Will releasing a natural control agent eradicate Japanese knotweed in the UK? No. Eradication is not the normal outcome of natural control since it is not in the agent's best interest to eradicate its only food source. Long-term control, below an economic or environmental threshold, should be anticipated." Seems that they are suggesting the psyllid bug has some degree of choice in the matter! The cochineal insect eradicated opuntia. We can only hope that the psyllid bug will be able to do the same. -- Jeff |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
In message , Jeff Layman
writes Stewart Robert Hinsley wrote: In message , Jeff Layman writes Tim wrote: Hi If anyone's interested I've just been told to look out for Simon Ford on BBC Breakfast news tomorrow morning. He'll be live from Newark Park between 0700 and 0900 discussing Japanese Knotweed and a new DEFRA consultation about introducing an insect to eat it. That's all the info I have but I thought it might be of interest to someone. Tim May cause an even greater problem - look at the introduction of the Cane Toad in Queensland. Then again, in the same country, the Mexican Cochineal insect wiped out the Opuntia which had gone crazy over there, and then died out as its host plant had gone. There's already been press about this. Supposedly they've been careful about testing that the insect doesn't switch to any native plants. See, for example http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Predator...bug.5027366.jp More info he http://www.cabi.org/japaneseknotweed...te=139&page=50 I find this statement in tha FAQs interesting: "Will releasing a natural control agent eradicate Japanese knotweed in the UK? No. Eradication is not the normal outcome of natural control since it is not in the agent's best interest to eradicate its only food source. Long-term control, below an economic or environmental threshold, should be anticipated." Seems that they are suggesting the psyllid bug has some degree of choice in the matter! The cochineal insect eradicated opuntia. We can only hope that the psyllid bug will be able to do the same. There's another reason for not expecting eradication. When Japanese Knotweed becomes scarce the bugs will find it difficult to locate the last few remaining plants, and therefore become scarce themselves, giving the knotweed a respite. What they are aiming for is a stable equilibrium at a low frequency - complete eradication would be a bonus -- Stewart Robert Hinsley |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
In message , Stewart Robert Hinsley
writes There's another reason for not expecting eradication. When Japanese Knotweed becomes scarce the bugs will find it difficult to locate the last few remaining plants, and therefore become scarce themselves, giving the knotweed a respite. What they are aiming for is a stable equilibrium at a low frequency - complete eradication would be a bonus I have the impression that it would be a miracle. :) I will record the programme on DVD to give to the head warden of the park where I work in a group of a dozen or so volunteers. It is all we can do to keep certain areas free from Balsam weed, with repeat visits to remove any small roots remaining. Do these bugs kill the roots of Knotweed, which seem to creep underground and pop up close by? At least that is my perception, BICBW. The warden has to apply for a licence each year to treat the Knotweed, but it reappears each year in an area between a pool and the river, and surrounded by Balsam, which has to be removed first or the Knotweed is hidden. It is a losing battle... -- Gordon H Remove "invalid" to reply |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
In message , Martin
writes On Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:03:36 +0100, Stewart Robert Hinsley wrote: There's another reason for not expecting eradication. When Japanese Knotweed becomes scarce the bugs will find it difficult to locate the last few remaining plants, and therefore become scarce themselves, giving the knotweed a respite. What they are aiming for is a stable equilibrium at a low frequency - complete eradication would be a bonus What if the bugs adapt to eat other plants? Teach 'em to like Himalayan Balsam, hopefully. ;-) -- Gordon H Remove "invalid" to reply |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
In message , Gordon H
writes I will record the programme on DVD Or rather I would have done had I read the OP yesterday! -- Gordon H Remove "invalid" to reply |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
In message , Gordon H
writes In message , Stewart Robert Hinsley writes There's another reason for not expecting eradication. When Japanese Knotweed becomes scarce the bugs will find it difficult to locate the last few remaining plants, and therefore become scarce themselves, giving the knotweed a respite. What they are aiming for is a stable equilibrium at a low frequency - complete eradication would be a bonus I have the impression that it would be a miracle. :) I will record the programme on DVD to give to the head warden of the park where I work in a group of a dozen or so volunteers. It is all we can do to keep certain areas free from Balsam weed, with repeat visits to remove any small roots remaining. Do these bugs kill the roots of Knotweed, which seem to creep underground and pop up close by? At least that is my perception, BICBW. The warden has to apply for a licence each year to treat the Knotweed, but it reappears each year in an area between a pool and the river, and surrounded by Balsam, which has to be removed first or the Knotweed is hidden. It is a losing battle... If I understand correctly they eat the stems. If the bugs are sufficiently effective, this will result in the weakening of the root system. Over a few years this will lead to the eradication of the clump. (It's like frequent mowing will control Japanese knotweed.) -- Stewart Robert Hinsley |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
In message , Stewart Robert Hinsley
writes In message , Gordon H writes Do these bugs kill the roots of Knotweed, which seem to creep underground and pop up close by? At least that is my perception, BICBW. The warden has to apply for a licence each year to treat the Knotweed, but it reappears each year in an area between a pool and the river, and surrounded by Balsam, which has to be removed first or the Knotweed is hidden. It is a losing battle... If I understand correctly they eat the stems. If the bugs are sufficiently effective, this will result in the weakening of the root system. Over a few years this will lead to the eradication of the clump. (It's like frequent mowing will control Japanese knotweed.) Thanks. Mowing isn't an option in the particular area, I don't think. Some of us would like to try scythes on the balsam below the bottom "knuckle", to at least chop them down and give other growth a chance, but I think Health & Safety aspects would rule that out. ;-) -- Gordon H Remove "invalid" to reply |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
"Stewart Robert Hinsley" wrote in message ... In message , Gordon H writes In message , Stewart Robert Hinsley writes snip Do these bugs kill the roots of Knotweed, which seem to creep underground and pop up close by? At least that is my perception, BICBW. The warden has to apply for a licence each year to treat the Knotweed, but it reappears each year in an area between a pool and the river, and surrounded by Balsam, which has to be removed first or the Knotweed is hidden. It is a losing battle... If I understand correctly they eat the stems. They do not eat the stems and foliage, like slugs, nor the roots, like chafers, but rather suck the sap, like aphids. This leads to the weakening you describe. If the bugs are sufficiently effective, this will result in the weakening of the root system. Over a few years this will lead to the eradication of the clump. (It's like frequent mowing will control Japanese knotweed.) |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
In message , Gordon H
writes In message , Stewart Robert Hinsley writes In message , Gordon H writes Do these bugs kill the roots of Knotweed, which seem to creep underground and pop up close by? At least that is my perception, BICBW. The warden has to apply for a licence each year to treat the Knotweed, but it reappears each year in an area between a pool and the river, and surrounded by Balsam, which has to be removed first or the Knotweed is hidden. It is a losing battle... If I understand correctly they eat the stems. If the bugs are sufficiently effective, this will result in the weakening of the root system. Over a few years this will lead to the eradication of the clump. (It's like frequent mowing will control Japanese knotweed.) Thanks. Mowing isn't an option in the particular area, I don't think. Some of us would like to try scythes on the balsam below the bottom "knuckle", to at least chop them down and give other growth a chance, but I think Health & Safety aspects would rule that out. ;-) Why should elf n safety stop you using a recognised garden implement. Just wear appropriate PPE. Ah maybe you can't get a certificate in scything cos nobody is qualified to teach it cos they haven't been trained by a certified scything trainer and no-one thought to claim grandfather rights:-) -- hugh It may be more complicated but is it better? |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
On Jul 24, 9:25*pm, Martin wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:00:45 +0100, hugh ] wrote: In message , Gordon H writes In message , Stewart Robert Hinsley writes In message , Gordon H writes Do these bugs kill the roots of Knotweed, which seem to creep underground and pop up close by? * * * *At least that is my perception, BICBW. * * * The warden has to apply for a licence each year to treat the Knotweed, but it reappears each year in an area between a pool and the river, and surrounded by Balsam, which has to be removed first or the Knotweed is hidden. * * *It is a losing battle... If I understand correctly they eat the stems. If the bugs are sufficiently effective, this will result in the weakening of the root system. Over a few years this will lead to the eradication of the clump. (It's like frequent mowing will control Japanese knotweed.) Thanks. * *Mowing isn't an option in the particular area, I don't think. Some of us would like to try scythes on the balsam below the bottom "knuckle", to at least chop them down and give other growth a chance, but I think Health & Safety aspects would rule that out. * * *;-) Why should elf n safety stop you using a recognised garden implement. Just wear appropriate PPE. Ah maybe you can't get a certificate in scything *cos nobody is qualified to teach it cos they haven't been trained by a certified scything trainer and no-one thought to claim grandfather rights:-) Using a scythe without training can result in having a leg over. -- Martin ? Leg cut off you mean? Judith |
Japanese Knotweed - piece on BBC Breakfast news 23rd July 2009
On Jul 24, 10:19*pm, Martin wrote:
On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 14:17:43 -0700 (PDT), Judith in France wrote: On Jul 24, 9:25*pm, Martin wrote: On Fri, 24 Jul 2009 21:00:45 +0100, hugh ] wrote: In message , Gordon H writes In message , Stewart Robert Hinsley writes In message , Gordon H writes Do these bugs kill the roots of Knotweed, which seem to creep underground and pop up close by? * * * *At least that is my perception, BICBW. * * * The warden has to apply for a licence each year to treat the Knotweed, but it reappears each year in an area between a pool and the river, and surrounded by Balsam, which has to be removed first or the Knotweed is hidden. * * *It is a losing battle... If I understand correctly they eat the stems. If the bugs are sufficiently effective, this will result in the weakening of the root system. Over a few years this will lead to the eradication of the clump. (It's like frequent mowing will control Japanese knotweed.) Thanks. * *Mowing isn't an option in the particular area, I don't think. Some of us would like to try scythes on the balsam below the bottom "knuckle", to at least chop them down and give other growth a chance, but I think Health & Safety aspects would rule that out. * * *;-) Why should elf n safety stop you using a recognised garden implement. Just wear appropriate PPE. Ah maybe you can't get a certificate in scything *cos nobody is qualified to teach it cos they haven't been trained by a certified scything trainer and no-one thought to claim grandfather rights:-) Using a scythe without training can result in having a leg over. -- Martin ? *Leg cut off you mean? Depends what he is looking for nudge nudge -- Martin I'm telling Sacha on you! Judith |
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