Agrofuel: An ecological Risk?

"Most of the traits that are touted as great for biofuel crops—no known pests or diseases, rapid growth, high water-use efficiency—are red flags for invasion biologists. We want to start a dialogue and approach the question of biofuels systematically."

—Robert N. Wiedenmann (A researcher at University of Arkansas)

Mr Wiedenmann and his colleagues have published a study warning of the potential for biofuel crops to cause both ecological and economic harm. They are chosen for their ability to grow very quickly but such plants are becoming weeds with the potential to invade neighbouring crop fields (i.e. cotton and soybean). The study calls for ecological specialists to be included when planning new biofuel projects. You'd think that would already be the case, but obviously not.