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Ophiostoma ulmi

fungus
Also known as: Ceratocystis ulmi

Quick Summary

Ophiostoma ulmi is a fungus that causes Dutch elm disease, a devastating illness affecting elms and other trees. This fungus, belonging to the Ascomycota phylum, is spread primarily by bark beetles.

The disease was first identified in the Netherlands and has since caused significant losses in elm populations across Europe and North America. Symptoms include wilting, yellowing, and dropping of leaves, with a characteristic brown discoloration appearing in the sapwood of affected branches. Control measures focus on preventing beetle infestation and removing infected wood.

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Dutch elm disease
  2. Ascomycota

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