Dutch Elm disease has ravaged tree communities for decades after originiating in the Himalayas and making its way to Holland. The disease stops nutrient-delivering sap from flowing around the tree.
Scientists have recently mapped the genome of the fungus that causes Dutch Elm disease. The fungus is a distant relative of more heavily studied fungi like bread mold and beer yeast.
The discovery could help stop the disease, which typically kills trees in two years. It’s particularly prevalent in North America, but can also be found in countries as diverse as Scotland, Spain, and New Zealand.
Read more at University of Toronto