Fungo Americano

Discovery News recently posted a very interesting article about new research into the loss of stone pines (Pinus pinea) in Italy. The pine trees have been subject to attack by Heterobasidion annosum, a fungus from North America. The fungus is suspected to have been introduced in shipments of military goods sent to U.S. soldiers staying at the Castelporziano estate during World War II. Symptoms were not noticed until the 1980s, and even though the infected trees were removed, the disease continues to spread.

Thanks to a member of the ALIENS-L listserver for posting a link to the story, and bonus points to Discovery News for using scientific names.