Ophiostoma ulmi

Ophiostoma ulmi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Sordariomycetes
Order: Ophiostomatales
Family: Ophiostomataceae
Genus: Ophiostoma
Species:
O. ulmi
Binomial name
Ophiostoma ulmi
(Buisman) Melin & Nannf. (1934)
Synonyms[1]
  • Graphium ulmi M.B.Schwarz (1922)
  • Ceratostomella ulmi Buisman (1932)
  • Ceratocystis ulmi (Buisman) C.Moreau (1952)

Ophiostoma ulmi is a species of fungus in the family Ophiostomataceae. It is one of the causative agents of Dutch elm disease. It was first described under the name Graphium ulmi,[2] and later transferred to the genus Ophiostoma.[3]

Dutch elm disease originated in Europe in the early 1900s.[4] Elm trees were once an ecologically valuable tree that dominated mixed broadleaf forests, floodplains, and low areas near rivers and streams.[5] They were planted in urban settings because of their aesthetic appeal and their ability to provide shade due to their V like shape.[6] An outbreak of Dutch elm disease in the 1920s and again in the 1970s was responsible for the death of more than 40 million American elm trees.[7]

Ophiostoma ulmi was the first known cause of Dutch elm disease .[8] Since its discovery in 1910, new forms of the fungus, specifically Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, have emerged and appear to be more resistant to control measures and more aggressive in their infection.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference urlMycoBank: Ophiostoma ulmi was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Schwarz1922 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Melin1934 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Clinton, G. P., McCormick, Florence A., Dutch elm disease, Graphium ulmi; New Haven, 1936
  5. ^ Martín, Juan A.; et al. (2018). "Correction to: Breeding and Scientific Advances in the Fight against Dutch Elm Disease: Will They Allow the Use of Elms in Forest Restoration?" (PDF). New Forests.
  6. ^ "Ophiostoma ulmi (Dutch elm disease)". www.cabi.org. Retrieved 2018-12-12.
  7. ^ "American Phytopathological Society". American Phytopathological Society. Retrieved 2018-12-12.
  8. ^ "Epidemiology". www.dutchelmdisease.org. Retrieved 2018-12-12.