A disease never before found in European trees highlights the risk that monoculture forests present.
A potentially deadly tree disease has been discovered in a forest in Cornwall, UK.
It is the first time the disease has been spotted within Europe and this has sparked concern among forest conservation groups. The disease can cause needle dropping, and lead to the death of branches and roots.
Although the pathogen can be found across multiple species, the potential introduction of a new tree disease once again shows the danger of monocultures - especially in reforestation efforts.
What’s the disease doing in Cornwall?
The disease’s full Latin name is Phytophthora pluvialis. The fungal infection affects a variety of trees including western hemlock, Douglas fir, tanoak and several pine species.
Until now, it has only ever been found on the west coast of America and in New Zealand.
But the first discovery of the disease in Europe came after a routine plant health check by the Forestry Commission, reports Cornwall Live.
Restrictions are being placed on an area between the towns of Bodmin and Liskeard in Cornwall to curb its spread.
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