# 2026-12429: USDA Set to Unleash Japanese Bugs on Invasive Knotweed

2026-12429, Notice of Availability of a Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Field Release of Aphalara itadori (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) From Murakami, Japan, for Classical Biological Control of Japanese, Giant, and Bohemian Knotweeds Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinedsis, and F. x bohemica (Polygonaceae), in the Contiguous United States, is a Federal Register notice from Agriculture Department, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service published 2026-06-22, effective 2026-06-16 (as of 2026-06-29).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12429
- As of: 2026-06-29
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-12429
- Title: Notice of Availability of a Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Field Release of Aphalara itadori (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) From Murakami, Japan, for Classical Biological Control of Japanese, Giant, and Bohemian Knotweeds Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinedsis, and F. x bohemica (Polygonaceae), in the Contiguous United States
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Agriculture Department; Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- Citation: 91 FR 37068
- Published: 2026-06-22
- Effective: 2026-06-16
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-29

## In one line

USDA Set to Unleash Japanese Bugs on Invasive Knotweed

## Summary

The USDA is giving the green light to release a tiny bug called Aphalara itadori from Japan to help fight invasive knotweed plants spreading across the U.S. This natural pest control method won’t harm the environment and offers a smart, cost-effective way to protect our lands. Gardeners, farmers, and nature lovers can expect this eco-friendly solution to start making a difference soon!

## Abstract

We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared a final supplemental environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact relative to a 2020 EA for the field release of the knotweed psyllid Aphalara itadori (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) from Murakami, Japan, for the classical biological control of Japanese, giant, and Bohemian knotweeds (Fallopia japonica, F. sachalinensis, and F. x bohemica (Polygonaceae)), significant invasive weeds, within the contiguous United States. Based on our finding of no significant impact, we have determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared.

## Effects PRIA read

- Permits approved to release knotweed psyllid: benefit, medium. On June 16, 2026 APHIS authorized permits to release the insect Aphalara itadori sourced from Murakami, Japan into the contiguous United States to help control Japanese, giant, and Bohemian knotweeds. APHIS issued a final supplemental environmental assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact…
- Murakami line chosen for better hybrid control: benefit, medium. APHIS considered and authorized release of the Murakami-sourced Aphalara itadori after finding it is native to a climate and photoperiod better matched to primary U.S. knotweed regions, is recently collected (field-adapted), and 'performs particularly well on hybrid knotweed (F. x bohemica),' which…

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## Sources
- [2026-12429 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/22/2026-12429/notice-of-availability-of-a-final-supplemental-environmental-assessment-and-finding-of-no)
- [2026-12429 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-22/pdf/2026-12429.pdf)

## Related
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- [Next: 2026-12430, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Reques…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12430)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12429 (as of 2026-06-29).