Scientists are working to bring back American elms by using the disease that has killed millions of them. Dutch elm disease is being used to test the resistance of young elm trees. Researchers injected 6,000 trees with the disease spores to identify survivors.

These surviving trees will be used in a breeding program to increase the genetic diversity of disease-tolerant elms. The goal is to grow trees that can be used for restoration in various environments. Further details on this effort are available, including the next steps for the newly propagated trees and the potential for restoration in different areas.