The disease that decimated American elms could help bring them back

Dutch elm disease, which has caused millions of American elms to die over the past century, is now being harnessed to help bring the iconic trees back. Scientists from the U.S. Forest Service and The Nature Conservancy Vermont have begun testing the disease's resistance in 6,000 young elm trees. The surviving trees will be used in a breeding program aimed at increasing the genetic diversity of disease-tolerant elms, which could eventually be used for restoration in various ecosystems.

Researchers hope that these trees will one day help restore the elm's vital role in wet forest areas, where they have proven to be flood-resistant and able to prevent devastating flooding. The elm tree holds significant cultural importance in the Northeast, and its loss has deeply affected communities. In a broader effort to combat forest pests and diseases, scientists are also working to save ash trees from the emerald ash borer beetle.