Fungus Causing Sudden Oak Death On Coast

An oak tree epidemic is spreading across coastal California. Environmentalists are expressing alarm and a sense of urgency.

1 minute read

September 28, 2000, 10:30 AM PDT

By Gwen Hilburn


A fungus, related to the organisms that caused the Irish potato blight in the 1800s, is killing oak trees along the California coast. A sap that develops when the fungus attacks then draws bark beetles, which speed up the death of the trees. Researchers are working to discover how to prevent the spread of the fungus.

Thanks to Gwenn Hilburn

Thursday, September 28, 2000 in The Los Angeles Times

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