CO2 Weakens Soybeans

—By

| Fri Jul. 6, 2007 12:37 PM PDT

Elevated atmospheric CO2 may negatively impact the relationship between some plants and insects. A new study from the University of Illinois finds that soybeans exposed to elevated levels of CO2 become more susceptible to attack by Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica), reports the American Society of Plant Biologists. Furthermore, as the beetles consume the weakened soybeans, the insects' invasive abilities also intensify. . . So how will the naysayers spin this? JULIA WHITTY

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