A Madagascan plant, Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, could potentaily be used to help produce biofuel crops in harsh environmental conditions according to scientists at the University of Liverpool.

The plant is unique, says the Liverpool team, because, unlike normal plants, it captures most of its carbon dioxide at night when the air is cooler and more humid, making it 10 times more water-efficient than major crops such as wheat. The team will use the latest next-generation DNA sequencing to analyse the plant’s genetic code and understand how these plants function at night.

Scientists believe that the novel genes found in Kalanchoe could provide a model of how biofuel plants could be grown on un-utilised desert and semi-arid lands, rather than on fertile farmland needed for producing food.

Biological scientist, Dr James Hartwell, said: “Kalanchoe is a good example of how plants can flourish in harsh environments. If we can understand how it is able to photosynthesise using much less water than current crops, we may be able to use its genetic code to develop a crop able to withstand harsh environmental conditions. It is essential that farmland be returned to food production.”

The announcement of the work at Liverpool University coincided with a message from UN Secretary General  Ban Ki-moon marking the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. In a statement Ban Ki-moon said it was time to recognize that drylands and marginal lands are not waste lands and could be devoted to biofuel production or other uses.

“Rather, they are potential areas for agricultural intensification for both food and energy needs. Let us renew our commitment to reversing land degradation and desertification,” he said, adding that the UN Convention to Combat Desertification “could offer a long-term solution to producing more food for more people” and should be fully implemented.

The time has come for the international community to recognize that drylands and marginal lands, where nearly half of the world's poor live, are not waste land, said  Ban Ki-moon. Rather, they are potential areas for agricultural intensification for both food and energy needs. Let us renew our commitment to reversing land degradation and desertification. Let us ensure that the 10-year strategy adopted last year in Madrid is fully supported and implemented.