Invasive fungi have caused ecological disasters in the U.S. during the last century. The American chestnut tree commonly grew in forests from Michigan to Louisiana and from Maine to Georgia. In the 1900s Cryphonectria parasitica, an invasive species, commonly known as Chestnut blight, decimated the chestnut tree population leading to one of the worst ecological disasters in U.S. history. It is thought that the invasive fungus was imported from Japan and China. Other invasive fungi have destroyed large numbers of redbay, dogwood, and oak trees. Is human activity to blame for such disasters? What can be done to alleviate this problem?
What will be an ideal response?
Answers may vary. In many cases, human activity is to blame. An increase in world travel could aggravate the situation if travelers illegally bring infected plants and fruits into the country. Imported plants and trees, soil, and equipment are also likely to introduce fungal pathogens to the country. Laws concerning the exclusion of foreign plants and fruits must be strictly adhered to. Nurseries importing foreign plants must closely monitor their imports.
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