Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific fungus that causes Dutch elm disease: "Dutch elm fungus" refers to the pathogenic fungus Ophiostoma ulmi (and the related, more aggressive species Ophiostoma novo-ulmi), which is responsible for the devastating vascular wilt disease known as Dutch elm disease. This fungus is spread primarily by elm bark beetles.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The spread of the Dutch elm fungus has decimated elm populations across North America and Europe.
  • Scientists are studying the lifecycle of the Dutch elm fungus to find new ways to control the disease.
  • Identifying the Dutch elm fungus early is crucial for managing infected trees.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific context: The term is used precisely in botany, forestry, and plant pathology to identify the causative agent of a specific plant disease.
  • The research paper detailed the genetic variation within populations of the Dutch elm fungus.

Variants and Related Words

• Dutch elm disease (n): The name of the disease itself, caused by the Dutch elm fungus.
  • The city lost many beautiful trees to Dutch elm disease.
• Ophiostoma ulmi (n): The scientific name for the fungal species.
• Ophiostoma novo-ulmi (n): The scientific name for a more aggressive species of the fungus.

Synonyms

• Causal agent of Dutch elm disease: A descriptive synonym used in scientific and technical writing.

Noun

1. fungus causing Dutch elm disease