Information on Loughborough
News Index
2010
Mar 2010Feb 2010
Jan 2010
2009
Dec 2009Nov 2009
Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Mar 2008
Feb 2008
Jan 2008
2007
Dec 2007Nov 2007
Oct 2007
Sep 2007
Aug 2007
Jul 2007
Jun 2007
May 2007
University of Leicester research paves way for first ever use in Europe of an insect to fight invasive plant species
Posted on 30/07/09
University of Leicester
Researchers at the University of Leicester have paved the way for the first ever use in Europe of an insect (biocontrol) to combat an invasive plant species in Britain.
University of Leicester biologists established that the Japanese Knotweed in Britain was one the biggest females in the world- a clone of cuttings brought into Britain in the 1850s. Costs of controlling it in Britain have been put at 1.5 billion.
Defra's Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) has now launched a public consultation exercise into plans to control the Japanese Knotweed using a highly specialist sap-sucking insect or psyllid- called Aphalara itadori.
This follows a rigorous testing regime undertaken by the not-for-profit research organisation CABI at their quarantine laboratories, the purpose of which is to be as sure as possible that potential biocontrol organisms are restricted to Japanese Knotweed and cannot be tempted to stray onto related British plants or economically important species.
Lead scientist Dick Shaw said: Using information compiled by scientists at the University of Leicester, Biocontrol experts at CABI were able to focus their collecting efforts on the precise region of Japan where the European clone of Japanese Knotweed originated.
A number of Japanese invertebrates and micro organisms have been subjected to a rigorous testing regime. The aim of biological control is not to eradicate the target organism, but to weaken it so as to restrict spread and increase the effectiveness of other control measures (i.e less herbicide use).
The psyllid doesnt actually eat the plant, but sucks the sap like an aphid, and also produces vast numbers of offspring on Japanese Knotweed plants, which severely affect the morphology and vigour of the plant.
Dr Shaw added: Since there has never been a release of a biocontrol agent for a plant species in Europe, extreme caution is being exercised by all concerned. The proposed organism has now satisfied the scientific community that the proposed release under licence would be both safe and beneficial to the environment. On July 23 2009 the government inaugurated a public consultation on the release, subject to the satisfactory conclusion of this process, approval should be granted for the first releases in April 2010.
Early releases would be made only under licence, and would be closely monitored, with appropriate contingency plans in place. At the point that the organism is declared to be ordinarily resident, anybody may move it between knotweed sites. Given the fact that our Japanese knotweed is a single clone I feel we have excellent prospects for the specific and effective control of Japanese Knotweed in Britain.
Anyone wishing to take part in the consultation exercise should go to: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/japanese-knotweed/index.htm
More info:
http://www.cabi.org/
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2009/090723a.htm
Note on image: Dr John Bailey of the University of Leicester's Department of Biology, whose work helped to prove that the Japanese Knotweed in Britain was a clone.
Latest Loughborough News
Libraries become more dyslexia-friendly |
|---|
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 05:30:01 PM  Community Services19 March 2010Libraries become more dyslexia-friendlyLibraries across Leicestershire have signed up to a new set of guidelines designed to make them more dyslexia-friendly. Over the next few months, staff are being trained to ensure they understand the basic issues facing people with dyslexia.... Read More: Libraries become more dyslexia-friendly |
Serving police officer dies following a collision in Leicestershire |
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 04:20:02 PM  Serving police officer dies following a collision in LeicestershirePC Phil TomaszewskiA serving police officer has died following a collision in the parish of Eaton, near Ab Kettleby, Leicestershire. The collision occurred at about 1.... Read More: Serving police officer dies following a collision in Leicestershire |
Celebrated poet and writer visits the University of Leicester |
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:35 PM  Bernardine Evaristo, acclaimed author of Blonde Roots and The Emperor s Babe, to speak at a free public event on Friday 26 March.... Read More: Celebrated poet and writer visits the University of Leicester |
Donated furniture boosts good causes |
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:34 PM Good causes have received a boost thanks to donations of office furniture from Charnwood Borough Council. Items such as desks, filing cabinets and chairs are being distributed to good causes through Giving World Online, a scheme run by Leicester based charity Konnect9. ... Read More: Donated furniture boosts good causes |
Action packed week boosts community |
Created: Friday 19th of March 2010 03:03:33 PM Around 10 tonnes of rubbish were collected, a buggy fit walk was held and health checks took place as part of a community action week in Mountsorrel. Organisations including Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire Police and Voluntary Action Charnwood worked with local residents to organise the busy week which aimed to improve the environment and boost residents fitness and wellbeing. ... Read More: Action packed week boosts community |
Related Loughborough News
Plant biologists discover gene that switches on essence of male |
|---|
Created: Friday 20th of March 2009 01:03:19 PM  A University of Leicester study has identified the role of gene responsible for plant sperm production ... Read More: Plant biologists discover gene that switches on essence of male |
New Breakthrough in Global Warming Plant Production |
Created: Monday 30th of March 2009 02:03:30 PM  University of Leicester researchers are one step closer to the ... Read More: New Breakthrough in Global Warming Plant Production |
Loughborough trio to fly the flag for Britain at international arts festival |
Created: Saturday 27th of December 2008 01:14:27 AM  Loughborough trio to fly the flag for Britain at international arts festival Three graduates from Loughborough University School of Art and Design will be jetting off to Italy in May to take part in a prestigious international arts festival. Matt Atkinson (22), Amy Eastland (23) and Sam Taylor (23) are among a group of graduates from four Easimg src="/newsimages/loughborough_webpage.... Read More: Loughborough trio to fly the flag for Britain at international arts festival |
Ladybird Survey |
Created: Tuesday 29th of April 2008 09:03:00 AM  Ladybirds ( or ladybugs if you are American) are loved by the public but now help is needed to monitor local numbers as an invasive species called the harlequin ladybird spreads across England.... Read More: Ladybird Survey |
Local history in Britain |
Created: Friday 12th of June 2009 02:06:18 PM Conference marks 50th anniversary of the publication of Leicester Professor W.G. Hoskins' 'Local History in England'... Read More: Local history in Britain |
Most Read Loughborough News (today)
Graffiti Workshops in Loughborough and Charnwood |
|---|
Created: Friday 18th of July 2008 11:00:00 AM  A SERIES of free graffiti workshops could help creative youngsters avoid a brush with the law. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, of which Charnwood Borough Council is a partner, is staging the six-week programme of graffiti workshops in three neighbourhoods to give 11 to 16-year-olds an alternative means of expression rather than daubing slogans and images on buildings throughout the Borough.... |
Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. |
Created: Wednesday 2nd of July 2008 03:31:00 PM  14 motorbikes and mini-motos have been crushed after they were confiscated by police in Loughborough during a crack down on young people who drive dangerously and inconsiderately on roads, parks and public places.... Read More: Mini moto campaign in Loughborough is a crushing success. |
Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire |
Created: Tuesday 22nd of July 2008 04:45:00 PM  Radical changes to social care in Leicestershire will be outlined at a meeting next week. The County Council wants to personalise its social care and will update the Cabinet on the plans next Tuesday (29th July).... Read More: Radical plans to personalise social care in Leicestershire |
Lollipop sisters not just doing it for themselves |
Created: Friday 4th of April 2008 05:29:00 PM  Helping children to get to school safely is a family affair for two sisters who are urging others to come forward and become a School Crossing Patrol.... Read More: Lollipop sisters not just doing it for themselves |
Getting to Grips with Graffiti in Loughborough? |
Created: Wednesday 4th of June 2008 02:00:00 PM  REVISED guidelines to brush off the problem of graffiti have been drawn up by Charnwood Borough Council.... |
Most Read Loughborough News (this month)
Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure |
|---|
Created: Tuesday 2nd of March 2010 04:03:15 PM Charnwood Borough Council has today learned that the Astra Zeneca has decided to close its facility in Loughborough by the end of 2011. The announcement is a huge blow and a major loss of employment in the Borough and in Loughborough in particular. ... Read More: Loughborough Astra Zeneca Closure |
Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement |
Created: Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 11:03:57 AM An action group consisting of local organisations is to meet on Friday to discuss yesterday s (Tue) announcement by Astra Zeneca. Charnwood Borough Council has organised the urgent meeting after the pharmaceutical firm announced it will close its operation in the town by the end of next year. This will mean a loss of nearly 1,200 jobs. ... Read More: Action group to meet regarding Astra Zeneca announcement |
Appeal following incident at Loughborough University |
Created: Friday 26th of February 2010 08:10:01 PM  Appeal following incident at Loughborough UniversityPolice are appealing for witnesses following the report of a serious sexual assault in Loughborough. The incident is alleged to have happened sometime between 1.... Read More: Appeal following incident at Loughborough University |
Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdown |
Created: Wednesday 24th of February 2010 10:20:01 PM  Thirteen people arrested in 'Bling' crackdownThirteen people have been arrested in the first phase of a Force-wide operation to crackdown on criminals living lavish lifestyles from the proceeds of crime. The ‘Too Much Bling? Give us a Ring’ campaign was launched on February 10, 2010, encouraging members of the public to call Crimestoppers anonymously to let police know of any people who may be living beyond their means from drug money or ill gotten gains.... |
EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES |
Created: Wednesday 24th of February 2010 04:02:23 PM Charnwood Borough Council s Easter Activity Programme for 0 16 year olds kicks into action on Monday 29th March until 5th April. ... Read More: EASTER ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES |