Post by farplace on Jul 1, 2010 10:54:04 GMT
As it swept through Britain, Dutch Elm Disease wiped out 25million trees. However, a tree survived, resistent to the infection. It was discovered growing amongst hundreds of dead elms, near Braintree in Essex, in 1977, and cuttings were taken from this fortunate tree.
There are now more that 2000 healthy native English Elms decended from this original tree. Laboratory tests have proved that they are indeed resistant to the bark beetle which carries the deadly disease, and it is thought that the beetles do not like the taste of the tree for some reason.
Horticulturist Paul King, who first discovered the tree and who is responsible for the cuttings taken from the tree is selling 6yr old 10foot English Elm trees for £120 each - guaranteed resistent to Dutch Elm Disease - from the Tree Nursery in Rayne in Essex.
It is hoped that the native English Elm will soon be growing again all over the country.
Daily Mail, Tues 8th June 2010
There are now more that 2000 healthy native English Elms decended from this original tree. Laboratory tests have proved that they are indeed resistant to the bark beetle which carries the deadly disease, and it is thought that the beetles do not like the taste of the tree for some reason.
Horticulturist Paul King, who first discovered the tree and who is responsible for the cuttings taken from the tree is selling 6yr old 10foot English Elm trees for £120 each - guaranteed resistent to Dutch Elm Disease - from the Tree Nursery in Rayne in Essex.
It is hoped that the native English Elm will soon be growing again all over the country.
Daily Mail, Tues 8th June 2010