Record #:

4972

Author(s):

Sharpe, Bill

Abstract:

Phytopthora, a fungus which thrives in warm, moist soils, caused the 1840s Irish potato famine. Unknown in North Carolina ten years ago, the fungus, benefiting from mild mountain winters, has launched an attack on the Fraser fir, a prime tree in the state's Christmas tree industry. Already 7 percent, or 400,000, of the state's six million trees are affected. Experts predict the worst is yet to come.

Source:

Business North Carolina (NoCar HF 5001 B8x), Vol. 21 Issue 3, Mar 2001, p13, il

Subject(s):

Christmas tree growing; Fungal diseases of plants--North Carolina, Western; Phytopthora