Ash trees are rapidly evolving some resistance to ash dieback disease

DNA sequencing shows young trees are more likely to have gene variants that confer partial resistance to a fungus that has been wiping out ash trees across Europe

By Michael Le Page

26 June 2025

Some ash trees have genetic variants that confer partial resistance to ash dieback

FLPA / Alamy

Ash trees in the UK are rapidly evolving resistance in response to ash dieback disease, DNA sequencing of hundreds of trees has shown.

The finding is good news, says Richard Buggs at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in the UK, but it is unlikely that ash trees will become completely resistant in the near future. “We probably need a breeding programme so that we can help nature along and finish the job,” he says.

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Ash dieback is caused by a fungus native to Asia that slowly destroys trees’ ability to transport water. It began spreading in Europe in the 1990s and reached the UK in 2012.

The death of ash trees leads to the release of carbon dioxide and affects hundreds of species that rely on these trees for their habitat. Falling trees are also a threat to people and property. “There’s a lot of ash close to footpaths and roads that is now quite dangerous,” says Buggs.