Genetic predispositions of common ash to the ash dieback caused by ash dieback fungus

Abstract

The paper reviews information on ash dieback, a serious disease of common ash and its causing agent ash dieback fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. This paper covers biology and genetics of the causing agent. Main emphasis is given to the genetic predisposition of the tolerance to the disease. Strong genetic control of the infection-tolerance opens the possibility for selection of hyposensitive trees for the establishment of seed orchards, which will produce offspring with improved tolerance to H. fraxineus.