How does tree propagation affect the spread of diseases in a forest ecosystem?

Answer 1

Tree propagation can impact the spread of diseases in a forest ecosystem by influencing the genetic diversity of the trees. When trees are propagated from a limited number of parent trees, it can result in a lack of genetic variation among the trees in the forest. This lack of diversity can make the trees more susceptible to diseases, as they may all be vulnerable to the same pathogens. Conversely, when trees are propagated from a diverse range of parent trees, it can increase genetic variation and help the forest ecosystem better resist the spread of diseases.