What has caused the widespread decline of the American chestnut tree?

Answer 1

The widespread decline of the American chestnut tree was primarily caused by the introduction of the chestnut blight, a fungal disease caused by Cryphonectria parasitica, which was accidentally introduced to North America in the early 1900s. This disease devastated the population, as the American chestnut was highly susceptible to it. Additionally, ecological competition and changes in land use further contributed to the decline of this once-dominant species in eastern forests. Conservation efforts and breeding programs are ongoing to develop blight-resistant hybrids.