Vermont Scientists Develop Novel Strategy to Restore American Elm Species
Scientists in Vermont are employing a novel approach to restore the American elm, a species severely impacted by Dutch elm disease. The strategy involves testing the disease resistance of young elm trees by exposing them to the disease itself. Survivors…
Hartford & New Haven, CT, September 1, 2026 —
In Vermont, scientists are pioneering a new method to combat the decline of the American elm (Ulmus americana), a species historically significant in North American forests and urban landscapes, but decimated by Dutch elm disease. This innovative strategy focuses on identifying and cultivating trees that exhibit natural resistance to the devastating pathogen.
The core of the approach involves a rigorous testing phase where young elm trees are deliberately exposed to Dutch elm disease. This controlled exposure aims to determine which individual trees possess inherent resilience to the fungal infection that has wiped out millions of elms since its introduction.
Trees that successfully survive the exposure are then selected for further development. These survivors are slated to become part of a dedicated breeding program. The objective is to harness their genetic resistance, thereby creating a new generation of American elms that can withstand Dutch elm disease.
The ultimate goal of this initiative is the reintroduction of these more resilient elms back into both natural forest ecosystems and planned urban settings. Dutch elm disease, caused by the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, is transmitted by bark beetles and has been a major factor in the dramatic reduction of American elm populations across the continent. The survival rate of elms infected with the disease is typically very low.
Information regarding the specific institutions or researchers leading this effort in Vermont, the exact timeline of the testing and breeding program, or the scale of the tree population being tested was not provided in the summary. Similarly, details on the expected timeline for reintroduction or the success rate of previous restoration efforts were not specified.
By focusing on innate disease resistance, scientists hope to establish a sustainable path forward for the American elm, safeguarding its ecological role and aesthetic contribution for future generations.
Story summarized from the original created by Amanda Swinhart and Patrick Whittle | The Associated Press on www.nbcconnecticut.com, see more information here.
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