Question

Why is the American chestnut susceptible to fungus while the Asian chestnut is not, and how are scientists using this fact to help them create a solution to the problem? explain in 2 sentences

Answer 1

The American chestnut tree is highly susceptible to the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectaria parasitica, due to its lack of evolved resistance, as it had co-evolved with the disease for a shorter duration compared to the Asian chestnut, which has developed natural defenses. Scientists are leveraging the resistance found in Asian chestnuts by crossbreeding them with American chestnuts and utilizing genetic engineering techniques to introduce resistance traits, aiming to restore the American chestnut population while retaining its native characteristics.