CLEAN : For blight-ridden American chestnut tree, rebirth may be in offing

The video discusses the American chestnut blight, caused by the fungus Cryphonectria parasitica, and its devastating impact on chestnut populations in North America. It covers the history of the blight's spread, the importance of chestnuts as a timber and food source, and current restoration efforts. These efforts include breeding programs and transgenic projects to develop blight-resistant chestnuts. The video also highlights future challenges, such as climate change and new pests, emphasizing the need for genetic diversity in restoration projects.

What is a visible symptom of the advanced stage of blight disease on American chestnuts?

• Girdled and dying limbs

• Healthy green leaves

• Thick and smooth bark

• Rapid growth of new branches

What is the purpose of hybridizing American and Chinese chestnuts?

• To change the color of the leaves

• To develop blight-resistant varieties

• To improve the taste of the chestnuts

• To increase the height of the trees

How is blight resistance tested in chestnut trees?

• By observing natural growth over decades

• By measuring the height of the tree

• By applying the fungus directly to the cut stem

• By counting the number of leaves

Where was the chestnut blight first discovered in the United States?

• Miami

• New York City

• Chicago

• Los Angeles

What was one major use of the American chestnut before the blight?

• As a source of dye

• For timber in construction

• As a decorative plant

• For medicinal purposes

What is a significant challenge in restoring the American chestnut population?

• Lack of interest from the public

• Limited availability of seeds

• Genetic complexity of blight resistance

• Insufficient funding for research

What environmental factor is expected to increase pressure on forest trees, including the chestnut?

• Decreased rainfall

• Global environmental change

• Increased soil fertility

• Reduced sunlight exposure