Aphalara itadori |

Last updated: 25/08/2025
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(Also known as: Japanese knotweed psyllid) |
The following alerts are based on the data in the tables below. An absence of an alert does not imply the substance has no implications for human health, biodiversity or the environment but just that we do not have the data to form a judgement. These hazard alerts do not take account of usage patterns or exposure, thus do not represent risk.
Environmental fate |
Ecotoxicity |
Human health |
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A species of psyllid that feeds on the sap of Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) |
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Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) |
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Ranchland; Scrubland; Wild areas |
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A Psyllid that has been shown to defoliate knotweed species substantially. Aphalara itadori passes from egg to adult through five nymph stages in just under 33 days at 23 DegC |
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Class: Insecta; Order: Hemiptera; Family: Aphalaridae |
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Not applicable - use permitted without a licence |
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Not applicable |
EC Regulation 1107/2009 (repealing 91/414) |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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No |
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ATAustria |
BEBelgium |
BGBulgaria |
CYCyprus |
CZCzech Republic |
DEGermany |
DKDenmark |
EEEstonia |
ELGreece |
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ESSpain |
FIFinland |
FRFrance |
HRCroatia |
HUHungary |
IEIreland |
ITItaly |
LTLithuania |
LULuxembourg |
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LVLatvia |
MTMalta |
NLNetherlands |
PLPoland |
PTPortugal |
RORomania |
SESweden |
SISlovenia |
SKSlovakia |
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ISIceland |
NONorway |
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Not applicable |
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Yes |
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Herbivore |
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Macro-organism |
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Natural |
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Natural predation - Consumption |
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A species of psyllid native to southern Japan |
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Invasive species control; Land management |
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Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica) |
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Ranchland; Scrubland; Wild areas |
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Suitable for use in all farming systems where approved for use in that country |
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Aphalara itadori |
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Most countries require a licence to be issued before non-native macro-organisms may be released as biocontrol agents |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Not applicable |
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Living organism |
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Current |
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Commercial insect rearing begins with selecting high-quality breeding stock and maintaining ideal environmental conditions to support egg laying and larval development. Insects are housed in modular trays or bins and fed on Japanese knotweed (Reynoutria japonica). Automated systems regulate climate, airflow, and carbon dioxide levels to ensure uniform growth and prevent disease outbreaks. Once larvae reach maturity, they are separated from the substrate, cleaned, and processed into protein-rich products for use. The remaining frass (insect waste) is repurposed as a nutrient-rich fertiliser, making insect farming a circular and sustainable enterprise. |
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According to environmental studies, insect farming can produce as little as 1–5 kg CO₂e per kg of insect biomass, depending on species, feed type, and energy sources used. |
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As this parameter is not normally measured directly, a surrogate measure is used: ‘Photochemical oxidative DT₅₀’. Where data is available, this can be found in the Fate Indices section below. |
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Soil adsorption and mobility |
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None
Terrestrial ecotoxicology |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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HUMAN HEALTH AND PROTECTION |
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Not applicable |
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Q3 Q = Miscellaneous data from online sources 3 = Unverified data of known source No adverse effects identified or expected |
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Carcinogen |
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Endocrine disruptor |
No data found |
A0 A = Chromosome aberration (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; B0 B = DNA damage/repair (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; C0 C = Gene mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; D0 D = Genome mutation (EFSA database) 0 = No data ; E3 E = Unspecified genotoxicity type (miscellaneous data source) 3 = Negative |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Reproduction / development effects |
Acetyl cholinesterase inhibitor |
Neurotoxicant |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Respiratory tract irritant |
Skin irritant |
Skin sensitiser |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
Eye irritant |
Phototoxicant |
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XNo, known not to cause a problem |
XNo, known not to cause a problem |
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No information available |
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No information available |
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Not listed (Not listed) |
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Not regulated |
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Aphalara itadori |
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Record last updated: |
25/08/2025 |
Contact: |
aeru@herts.ac.uk |
Please cite as: |
Lewis, K.A., Tzilivakis, J., Warner, D. and Green, A. (2016) An international database for pesticide risk assessments and management. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 22(4), 1050-1064. DOI: 10.1080/10807039.2015.1133242 |