Study Released Examining Potential Distribution of a ROD-Causing Fungus & Impact on Native Plants

A study just released in the journal Forest Ecology & Management states that the more aggressive fungal species causing Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death, Ceratocystis lukuohia, overlaps with the majority of ʻōhiʻa distribution. Still, the pathogen does not reach the extreme edges of ōhiʻa's range. According to the study, more than half of endangered species located on Hawaiʻi Island overlap with the current and expected range of Ceratocystis lukuohia. Disease models suggest that protecting areas by use of fencing would decrease disease spread by limiting the amount of feral ungulate damage to ʻōhiʻa trees. The team of researchers created a web portal where the public can examine results and view updated models and analyses.