Dutch Elm Disease

Definition

Dutch elm disease is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Ophiostoma ulmi or its more aggressive strain, Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. It affects elm trees and is spread through bark beetles, disrupting water flow within the tree and leading to wilting, yellowing leaves, and eventual death.

Related terms

Tree Mortality: Tree mortality refers to the death of trees due to various causes such as diseases, pests, droughts, or human activities.

Bark Beetles: Bark beetles are small insects that burrow into tree bark and lay eggs. Some species carry fungal spores that cause diseases like Dutch elm disease.

Xylem Vessels: Xylem vessels are specialized plant tissues responsible for transporting water and nutrients from roots to other parts of the plant. Diseases like Dutch elm disease disrupt this transport system.