Rainforest fungus could fuel the future

WE EAT IT, we grow it, we are even disgusted by it – yet fungus could be the answer to our future fuel problems.

A tree fungus found in the Patagonian rainforest naturally produces a concoction of chemicals and hydrocarbons which are remarkably similar to diesel, and could be pumped directly into vehicle tank.

This research was led by one, Gary Strobel, a plant boffin from Montana State University, who said, "This is the only organism that has ever been shown to produce such an important combination of fuel substances."

Strobel further says that his team were more than surprised to find that the organism was making this all important “plethora of hydrocarbons.”

Although biofuels are an attractive prospect for the future, people are hesitant to jump on the bandwagon if producing them leads to rising food prices and deforestation.

For this reason, finding a fungus which could be mass produced is a welcome discovery as the EU has set biofuel targets of 5.75 percent by 2010 and 10 percent by 2020.

The friendly fungus called Gliocladium Roseum was discovered growing inside the ulmo tree (Eucryphia cordifolia) in a northern Patagonian rainforest and produces a range of hydrocarbon molecules that are virtually indistinguishable from the fuel-grade compounds in existing fossil fuels.

Although other similar substances have been found, Strobel says that none produce the explosive, high-energy density found in this fungus and none could be used in a modern diesel engine without major modification.

Tariq Butt, a fungus expert at Swansea University says,"Fungi are very important but we often overlook these organisms.

"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."

Strobel himself appears more than excited about the project as he says, "The results were totally unexpected and very exciting and almost every hair on my arms stood on end," which sounds like a display in itself.

The details of Strobel’s 'mycodeisel' will be published in the next edition of the Microbiology. µ

L'Inq
The Guardian