Author Topic: AT LAST! An answer to the invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed! (Read 111 times)

Michael Caswell · « **on:** July 09, 2020, 10:06:05 am »

http://www.nyisri.org/2020/07/knotweed-biocontrol-released-in-nys/

Doug K · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2020, 11:45:58 am »

While some folks may be quick to seize on the fact that this "bug" is also an invasive species, the simple fact is that it will kill the Knotweed which is a bigger issue. And if it eats too much, it will destroy it's own habitat... and then it too will be gone with the Japanese Knotweed.

AT LAST! An answer to the invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed!

The studies on this Natural Enemy of Japanese Knotweed show it doesn't lay it's eggs or feed on anything but this invasive knotweed. You can read about the insect and the research here:

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/107901#toPictures

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1049964409000371

But as practitioner in the Science of Sustainability, I would also point out that the issue here is simply "perception" and how people solve problems.

You can try to "take away the problem" like what was done here with a plant eating bug. Or you could look for the way to "make something out of the opportunity you have". Most of us know this as making lemonade out of lemons. There will be insects eating this plant along the Erie Canal before you know it, especially in the Oxbow Park where it's almost out of control.

But there's a HUGE missed opportunity here, and one that would solve so many other issues, on so many levels, it boggles the mind that no one is thinking about this as a solution. This problem could be solved without feeding bugs, and start a whole new industry here along the Erie Canal.

Japanese Knotweed, it appears, does have some very benefits that are being overlooked. It seems that this plant, in powder form, could be a substitute for the "red wine" benefits of a heart health and body cleansing. You can read more on that here:

https://naturerestore.com/products/organic-japanese-knotweed-resveratrol?=traffic&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgJv4BRCrARIsAB17JI5EZmzTVYaKboyl-r7k-m3-l9fIF1JymXi0AcdPhV_iIeOtgRl3CU8aAvZ9EALw_wcB

And someone could be making $50 per pound (dry weight) for the plant if they turn it into powder and sell it online.

Here's the benefits of Harvesting Knotweed vs Bug Consumption

There is an "environmental" group operating in Perinton & Fairport who's always looking for something to do. They could become the "farmers" and start helping to CLEAR the invasive species so that it could be processed. Maybe use the old canning factory to grind it up, dehydrate and get it into powder form and can it for sale.. Fairport Knotweed Farmer United Brand. This would get them doing something productive instead of always fighting against public safety programs that are designed to clear unsafe embankments.

And the amount of auto accidents from all those former red wine drinkers is an added benefit, that will extend throughout the area. I do believe that Fairport/Perinton are the largest per capita consumers of red wine (and all other colors) in the Greater Rochester Area, maybe someone can find that answer. Let's not even mention the reduction in DWI/DUI and associated court costs to all of us taxpayers.

This Japanese Knotweed powder can even lower Bad Cholesterol... wow.

Someone is sleeping on this one, maybe the New York State Canal Corporation should take a look, they can earn a little more money on this Knotweed... to pay for those "privacy trees" that they can't seem to plant in Brockport... I'll stop there.

Michael Caswell · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2020, 04:33:48 pm »

I've eaten Knotweed, fried it sauteed it in butter, eaten it raw in salads too! It's ok, but as a substitute for red wine, Nah! Give me red wine any day!

Erie Canaller · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2020, 07:12:18 pm »

It's not very big, 2mm

https://www.cabi.org/japaneseknotweedalliance/mobile/frequently-asked-questions/#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20psyllid%3F,damage%20to%20the%20target%20weed.

Doug K · « **Reply #4 on:** July 10, 2020, 07:45:06 am »

Thanks EC and Mike, found this information as well. Better to inform the public so a new 'bug' in our area won't start a panic.

We all know that some group will pop up in the future, stating this new bug is now a problem at some point, and all in name of the 'environment' again.

I'll suggest the name of the new Union now... JKFOA. Japanese Knotweed Farmers of America.

News:

Author Topic: AT LAST! An answer to the invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed! (Read 111 times)

Michael Caswell

AT LAST! An answer to the invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed!

Doug K

Lesson Learned: Fighting Invasive Plants with Natural Enemies - Japanese Knotweed Beware

Michael Caswell

Re: AT LAST! An answer to the invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed!

Erie Canaller

Re: AT LAST! An answer to the invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed!

Doug K

Re: AT LAST! An answer to the invasive plant, Japanese Knotweed!