The clone wars: the Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) vs the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus), characterization of a potential herbivory

The Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) is considered as highly invasive in Europe and is largely widespread in France, without any established predator. This short study first characterized the herbivory of Fallopia by the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus), a commonly encountered coleopteran in France. Through an experimental design of leaf choices, between Fragaria spp. and Fallopia spp., our results show that the insects prefer Fallopia, even if it is presented for the first time. Even if this simple observation may appear as trivial, it highlights a novel plant-insect interaction and may start new insight in plant control or invasion management.