[BIF]

Disease.

Has anybody heard about "Soybean rust?" It's a blight that can befall soy crops.

Here's some background from "planethealth:"

Soybean rust is a disease caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi. It is most destructive in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. In the past decade it has spread to several countries in Africa, and in 2001 was found in South America. Soybean rust has recently been confirmed in the United States.

The disease spreads quickly through a field planted with a susceptible variety, making it the most destructive foliar disease of soybean where it occurs. Yield losses where rust occurs range from 10-80%, depending on how early in the season the plant is infected. The main effects of rust infection are the destruction of photosynthetic tissue, premature defoliation and reduced number of days to maturity.

We have a MAJOR problem if we're hoping to convert to biodiesel and become more dependent on crop yields to support our transportation and energy production needs. At some point in the future, we might be extremely (or maybe even solely) dependent on bio-fuel. One bad year could expose us to the potential for mass energy shortages, or worse: The inability to plant, harvest, or transport food or medicine.

Folks, I am really REALLY disheartened by this. Links for more info:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/sb ... 11-16.html
http://www.planthealth.info/rust/rust.htm

 

[petteri]

Disease.

Has anybody heard about "Soybean rust?" It's a blight that can befall soy crops.

Here's some background from "planethealth:"

SNIP

The disease spreads quickly through a field planted with a susceptible variety, making it the most destructive foliar disease of soybean where it occurs. Yield losses where rust occurs range from 10-80%, depending on how early in the season the plant is infected. The main effects of rust infection are the destruction of photosynthetic tissue, premature defoliation and reduced number of days to maturity.[/size]

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Isn't that the key here? Couldn't you just plant a few varieties of soybeans? Am I missing something here?

Peter
Miami, FL USA

 

[ElectricTroy]

Or else use:
peanuts
corn
rapeseed

The way to protect against famine (either for people or cars) is to grow multiple crops.

Also by 2050 when biofuel replaces dinofuel, we'll likely see lots of different cars on the road. Some will run biodiesels. Others will run hydrogen. Still others will use solar-powered electrics.

 

[moocatdog]

Various algaes that are highly suitable for large scale biodiesel production can be grown quickly and efficiently using salt water on lands unsuitable for food crops. Implementing a biodiesel solution to domestic energy needs is not difficult. Finding the will to change course is the hard part.