Dutch Elm Disease

Dutch elm disease Common name Dutch elm disease Causal agent It is a fungal disease caused mainly by three members of the genus Ophiostoma. Scientific name Ophiostoma ulmi Ophiostoma himal-ulmi Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Symptoms & Signs The first symptom of the dutch elm disease is the yellowing and withering of leaves. It usually starts from the upper branches of the elm trees. The leaves curl and turn brown before falling off the branches. The bark also shows brown discoloration and peeling. Since the leaves cannot carry out photosynthesis, the plant is deprived of nutrients, causing the death of the roots and other parts of the plant. Transmission Dutch elm disease is spread by elm bark beetles Time of concern Throughout the year Common hosts Elm trees