Scientists in the US have revealed that a certain tree fungus could prove to be the breakthrough in helping motorists switching to an environmentally-friendly alternative to diesel.
Research carried out by a team from Montana State University found that the fungus named Gliocladium roseum, which grows naturally in the Patagonian rainforest, produces a mixture of chemicals similar to those produced by diesel fuels.
According to the team, the hydrocarbon molecules produced by the fungus could eventually be harvested by energy companies to make
clean energy and thereby help the likes of the European Union to achieve its goal of increasing its biofuel usage levels from a current rate of 5.75 per cent to ten per cent within the last 12 years.
Commenting on the findings, Tariq Butt, a fungus expert at Swansea University, stated: "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," he added.
At present, the biofuel industry relies upon food crops such as corn, rather than funguses, for saving energy initiatives.
