Unregulated biofuel crops spread as weeds

Many plants grown for biofuel are invasive species that could wreak havoc in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.

A weed risk assessment (WRA) of biofuel crops in Hawaii found that plants grown for biofuel were two to four times more likely to become invasive, or develop wild populations, compared with a random sample of other plants.

Seventy percent of plants grown for biofuel have a high risk of becoming invasive, the research found.

Scientists at the University of Hawaii, where the research was conducted, said the results of their study show that large scale biofuel crop cultivation would aggravate invasions.

Christopher Buddenhagen, lead researcher, said: “We need to be careful.

“If [biofuel crops] are widespread over thousands of acres - a scenario you would need for significant business - you’re altering the landscape just by planting in the first place.

“And if the plants spread, they are potentially altering the neighboring lands also.”

Researchers at the university will be calling for planting guidelines and precautionary measures to be put in place.

“We hope to spare the Hawaiian Islands and similar tropical ecosystems from future economic and environmental costs of the worst invaders while encouraging and promoting the use of lower-risk alternative crops,” Buddenhagen said.