Invasion Biologists and the Biofuels Boom: Cassandras or Colleagues?

Modern invasion biology, is a new science, with the holy grail OF being able to predict the trajectory of particular invasions. Although this goal has yet to be achieved, there has been much progress through experimental research and meticulous Study of the scope and mechanisms of existing invasions. Several well-established patterns are relevant to potential biofuel feedstocks: (1) ca. half of all damaging plant invaders were deliberated introduced, not accidental hitchhikers or escapees; (2) sonic native plants have become invasive; coevolution with native community members was nor proof against unexpected damage; (3) many introduced plants were innocuous for decades or even centuries in their new locations before suddenly exploding across the landscape; lack Of Current observed impact does 1101 guarantee safety; and (4) control or even eradication of widespread invaders is sometimes possible, but it is fit from certain and it is often very expensive. We cannot Count On effectively, managing an introduction gone awry. Because much invasion biology is targeted at developing 0 methods of preventing anthropogenic movement or establishment of species, invasion biologists have occasionally been assailed as obstructionists by various interests who fear their livelihoods will be impeded: the sced and horticulture trades, foresters, the pet industry, fish and game biologists, etc. A Fringe group of philosophers, sociologists, Landscape architects, and others have even taken to calling invasion biology a thinly veiled form of xenophobia. Sonic biofuels advocates have joined this litany, accusing invasion biologists of playing oil the emotions of all uneducated public by, raising fears of a new kudzu. Invasion biologists need not be cast in this role. In collaboration with agronomists, geneticists, physiologists, and other scientists, they have Much to offer in Understanding the risks posed by particular feedstocks and developing approaches chat would minimize these risks and mitigate unforeseen consequences.