Assessing biofuel crop invasiveness: A case study

Buddenhagen, C; Chimera, C; Clifford, P

HERO ID

201379

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2009

Language

English

PMID

19384412

HERO ID 201379
In Press No
Year 2009
Title Assessing biofuel crop invasiveness: A case study
Authors Buddenhagen, C; Chimera, C; Clifford, P
Journal PLoS ONE
Volume 4
Issue 4
Page Numbers e5261
Abstract The first study which has quantified the invasiveness of bioenergy crops, researchers compared the risks of invasion for 40 bioenergy crops proposed for introduction to Hawaii, to a random sample of 40 non-bioenergy crops, using an established methodology known as 'Weed Risk Assessment'. The results showed that the bioenergy crops were two to four times more likely to establish wild populations and become invasive. 70% of the bioenergy species were high risk, compared to 25% of the random sample. Bioenergy crops are more likely to be invasive as they are selected for the same traits as belong to many successful invasive species: pest resistance; high biomass or reproductive capacity; tolerance to harsh conditions; ability to thrive as a monoculture. Some of these risks could be managed so that the benefits of planting the crops outweigh the costs. The researchers encourage governments to consider the invasiveness of bioenergy crops when granting funds or approval for these.
Doi 10.1371/journal.pone.0005261
Pmid 19384412
Wosid WOS:000265513900011
Url https://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0005261
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Is Qa No