Global Climate Niche Estimates for Bioenergy Crops and Invasive Species of Agronomic Origin: Potential Problems and Opportunities
2011

Global Climate Niche Estimates for Bioenergy Crops and Invasive Species

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Barney Jacob N., DiTomaso Joseph M.

Primary Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Hypothesis

This study aims to provide global climate niche estimates for the leading bioenergy crops, as well as for invasive species that have an agronomic origin.

Conclusion

The study found that bioenergy crops and invasive species exhibit broad climatic tolerance, allowing for flexibility in crop selection while also highlighting the risk of invasiveness.

Supporting Evidence

  • Bioenergy crops exhibit broad climatic tolerance, allowing for flexibility in crop selection.
  • Invasive species of agronomic origin have similar climate niche profiles as proposed bioenergy crops.
  • The study provides a necessary step in evaluating the invasive potential of bioenergy crops.

Takeaway

This study looks at where certain plants can grow well and how some of these plants might become invasive. It helps farmers choose the best crops without causing problems.

Methodology

The study used the CLIMEX software to estimate the climate niche for various bioenergy crops and invasive species based on their global population data.

Potential Biases

The study acknowledges that the risk assessment may overestimate the potential for invasiveness due to broad climatic tolerance.

Limitations

The model does not account for complex biotic interactions and edaphic conditions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0017222

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