Risk news

Insects known as psyllids have been released by the government across the UK to fight the spread of an invasive plant which costs the economy more than £150 million per year to control.

Japanese Knotwood is not native to the UK and can damage the natural environment by stopping other plants from growing and destroying habitats.

As well as proving harmful to flora and fauna, it also poses a threat to the country's infrastructure. It is capable of growing at a metre a month through tarmac, concrete and drains, damaging buildings and roads in the process.

The psyllid - which is also known as the jumping plant louse - is a predator of the plant in Japan and has been released to act as a natural form of pest control.

It is the first time that such a solution has been used to stop the spread of a non-native plant in Europe.

Wildlife minister Huw Irranca-Davies said the measure will "help free local authorities and industry from the huge cost of treating and killing this devastating plant".

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