Wednesday, August 13, 2003

"Tree from Hell"

Scientists think they have found a tool to help stave off the invasion of the annoying and malodorous tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), according to this article on roanoke.com. A fusarium fungus (Fusarium oxysporum) was observed killing the trees in Virginia, and is now being studied to determine how humans can get it to infect any individual tree. Though researchers have had little luck so far, there are high hopes that the fusarium fungus will be the answer to controlling the "tree from hell," a major component of urban and other disturbed habitats in the U.S., known for its ability to damage pipework and building foundations with its rapidly expanding root system.

Thanks to a member of the ALIENS-L listserver for posting a link to this story.

No comments: