- Scientists are intentionally infecting a 28-acre grove of American elms with Dutch elm disease to identify disease-tolerant trees for breeding.
- The goal is to create a genetically diverse, disease-tolerant population of elms to restore a key species that once dominated American forests and floodplains.
- American elms have cultural and historical significance, but Dutch elm disease has killed tens of millions, leaving only a few survivor trees.
- Previous breeding efforts produced limited cultivars like Valley Forge, but lacked genetic diversity for widespread restoration.
- A new project by The Nature Conservancy and U.S. Forest Service crossbreeds survivor trees from across New England, with a test site in Vermont showing promising early results.
- Restoring elms helps mitigate flooding and supports specialized wildlife, but experts caution against monoculture planting, emphasizing diversity.
- The work involves ethical dilemmas about inflicting disease, but public support is strong due to the elm's iconic status and ecological role.