Biologists from the University of Guelph are making efforts to make the American elm, resistant to an imported fungus, which made these trees rare to be found in 1960 and 70s in Canada and North America. The disease is known as ‘Dutch elm disease’.

The American elm, which was earlier found in abundance, is now seen rarely. American elm was known as the most adorable and recognizable tree. The trees were known for their towering height and a big canopy, making a line in the streets throughout North America.

Biologists in their effort are taking help of plant cloning methods, which can make trees ready for planting in three to five years. This effort can re-establish the American elm, once again.

“What we’re saying is we’re going to do our best to make this happen”, said Praveen Saxena, a plant biologist at the university, who is also heading the recovery of elm program.

Researchers in their effort are assembling leaves, twigs and root cell samples from some of the 100,000 elms, which they found to have resistance to the fungus.

People in America, who have seen the beauty of elms, are enthusiastic about the efforts of the biologists.

If the research is found to yield feasible results, it can be used to save other endangered plants, as well.