h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Wasn't this article featured on the front page a couple of days ago? How am I the first person to discuss this?

What exactly _was_ dutch elm disease?

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is a fatal disease that effects elm trees. It was introduced to the States from Europe (the Netherlands usually get the blame) back in the 1930's. It is caused by a fungus that is spread from one elm to another by the elm bark beetle, which feeds on elm wood. The fungus disrupts the tree's water conduction system causing the leaves to wilt. The tree usually dies within 2 to 3 years. Elm bark beetles breed under the bark of dead or dying elm wood and, as a new generation of infected bugs emerges and begins feeding on healthy elms, the disease spreads.