Recent Advances and Setbacks in Dutch Elm Disease Research

Abstract

There have been a number of setbacks, as well as advancements, in Dutch elm disease (DED) research. The setbacks have resulted from the variability of the DED fungus. Resistance to benomyl has been found in natural populations of the DED fungus. Also, considerable variability has been found in the pathogenicity of the DED fungus, which threatens some elf our DED-resistant trees. The most recent advancement in DED research has been an apparent cross between a tetraploid Ulmus pumila and Ulmus americana that yielded viable seed.