Scientists have discovered a tree fungus which produces a chemical concoction almost identical to diesel.
The fungus, Gliocladium roseum, is unique to the Patagonian rainforest yet it is so similar to diesel, scientists believe it could be pumped directly into fuel tanks.
Dubbed ‘mycodiesel’ by the scientist who discovered the fungus, Gary Strobel from Montana State University told The Guardian;
“This is the only organism that has ever been shown to produce such an important combination of fuel substances. We were totally surprised to learn that it was making a plethora of hydrocarbons.”
The UK has a target of 5 per cent biofuel in transport fuel by 2010. However traditionally first generation biofuels produced from food crops were criticised for encouraging deforestation, pushing up food prices and failing to reduce carbon emissions.
A second generation of biofuels produced from algae and other non food sources look more promising and the focus in now on producing sustainable fuels. The new discovery has been cautiously welcomed;
“Fungi are very important but we often overlook these organisms,” said Tariq Butt, a fungus expert at Swansea University told the national newspaper. “The discovery and its potential applications are fantastic. However, more research is needed, as well as a pilot study to determine the costs and benefits.”
