Scientists have discovered that ash trees in Britain are evolving resistance to the ash dieback fungus, which has devastated the population since its arrival in 2012. Research shows that a new generation of ash trees, found in natural woodlands, demonstrates increased resistance due to natural selection acting on their DNA. This real-world example of evolution offers renewed hope that ash trees may avoid the fate of elms, although experts warn that additional breeding programs might be necessary to ensure long-term survival.
Thanks to natural selection, future generations of ash should have a better chance of withstanding infection, said Dr. Carey Metheringham from QMUL.
Natural selection alone may not be enough to produce fully resistant trees. The existing genetic variation in the ash population may be too low.
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