One mans problem may be another mans solution. Such is the case with the tall reedy grass known as Carrizo cane, elephant reed, or by it's scientific name Arundo donax. As discussed by Andrew Leonard, putting a precise label on Arundo is a difficult task. On one hand, it has been introduced to the Texas border where it grows without natural enemies. In the eyes of the Department of Homeland Security, it is a nuisance because illegal immigrants can hide in it and it makes guarding the border with Mexico that much more difficult.
On the other hand, Arundo is a species that could turn nonproductive arid land into a productive force in the biofuels industry. Once the creation of ethanol from cellulose is perfected and scaled up, Arundo could be a low cost replacement for corn.
What is at issue is Homeland Securities proposal to introduce insects from the Iberian peninsula, natural consumers of Arundo into Texas.
What are the risks associated with introducing new species to control existing non-native species?
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