The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has prepared a supplemental environmental assessment (EA) for permitting the release of the Japanese knotweed psyllid Aphalara itadori (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) to manage Japanese, giant, and bohemian knotweeds (Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinensis, and their hybrid, F. x bohemica) in the continental United States. This supplement analyzes the potential impacts of the release of A. itadori from Murakami, Japan, which may be more effective than the present Hokkaido and Kyushu lines of A. itadori in reducing infestations of knotweed in the United States. Based on the EA and other relevant data, APHIS has reached a preliminary determination that the release of this control agent within the continental United States will not have a significant impact on the environment. The knotweed-specific psyllid poses no risk to people or native wildlife.

The proposed action is intended to reduce the severity of environmental damage to ecosystems from the Japanese, giant, and bohemian knotweeds by reducing their presence in the U.S. Invasive knotweeds were introduced into North America from Japan during the late 19th century. Japanese, giant, and bohemian knotweeds are large herbaceous perennials, which have spread throughout much of North America. The greatest infestations are in the Pacific Northwest, the Northeastern United States, and eastern Canada. Knotweeds have become especially problematic along the banks and floodplains of rivers and streams, where they crowd out native plants and potentially affect stream nutrients and disrupt local ecosystems.

APHIS is making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment. All comments received on or before March 13, 2023 will be considered. To review the environmental assessment and make comments: Go to www.regulations.gov and enter APHIS-2019-0002 in the Search field. 

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