Dutch elm disease
- Pronunciation
- /DOOTCH ELM DEE-ZEEZ/
- Category
- Pathology
- Singular
- Dutch elm disease
- Plural
- Dutch elm diseases
Definition
A fungal disease caused by *Ophiostoma ulmi* and its variants, particularly *Ophiostoma novo-ulmi*, that affects elm trees (*Ulmus*) worldwide, leading to wilting, discoloration, and eventual death.
Etymology
Named after the first reported occurrence in the Netherlands in 1919.
Example
Dutch elm disease has devastated elm populations across Europe and North America.
Related Terms
- Fungus
- Elm tree
- Pest
- Wilting
Usage Notes
Dutch elm disease is spread by beetles, particularly the European elm bark beetle *Scolytus multistriatus* and the native elm bark beetle *Hylurgopinus rufipes.*