Ash fungus genetic code unravelled

[dipsydoodle]

UK scientists have unravelled the genetic code of the ash dieback fungus.

The DNA "recipe" contains clues to how the pathogen attacks ash trees and possibly, in the long term, how to stop the epidemic, say genetic researchers.

The data has been released on the web to enable international experts to study the problem of dieback, which is attacking forests across Europe.

Chalara fraxinea has the potential to devastate the UK's population of 80 million ash trees.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21433466

[KT2000]

1. Another way to protect them

is to reduce pollution and herbicides and pesticides that weaken the immune systems of all living things. it is no coincidence that many animals and plants are succumbing to fungi around the world. Healthy living things can fight them off but compromised living things cannot.