What caused the demise of the American chestnut tree?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The demise of the American chestnut tree was caused by a fungal disease called Chestnut blight. This disease was accidentally introduced from Asia in the late 1800s and spread quickly throughout the American chestnut population, killing off an estimated 4 billion trees in just a few decades. This disease caused extensive damage to the trunk and branches of the tree, creating an entrance for rot, which ultimately led to its downfall. Overharvesting of the tree for wood and fruits and expanding human settlements also contributed to the decline, but Chestnut blight was the primary cause.

What Caused the Demise of the American Chestnut Tree