blister rust

noun

: any of several diseases of pines that are caused by rust fungi (genus Cronartium) in the aecial stage and that affect the sapwood and inner bark and produce blisters externally

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web But during the past decade, a non-native fungal disease known as white pine blister rust has been killing the trees at an alarming rate. Jayme Moye, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2023 The greatest threat to whitebark pine trees in the American West is white pine blister rust, a nonnative fungal disease. Michael Kohn | The Bulletin, oregonlive, 15 Dec. 2022 Trees can contract and host infectious diseases such as blister rust, which ravages many pine species. Monica Serrano, National Geographic, 14 Apr. 2022 The seedlings were offspring of whitebark pines that were found to be genetically resistant to the white pine blister rust. Michael Kohn | The Bulletin, oregonlive, 15 Dec. 2022 Researchers and private groups are working with federal officials on plans to gather cones from blister rust-resistant trees, grow the seeds in greenhouses and then plant them back on the landscape. Matthew Brown, ajc, 14 Dec. 2022 They were killed by blister rust, a Eurasian fungus that arrived in contaminated soils in the early 20th century on boats coming to North America. Jon Waterman, Outside Online, 15 June 2020 But the biggest threat to the species is a fungus called blister rust. Arkansas Online, 30 July 2021 The fruit was thought to harbor a tree-damaging disease called white pine blister rust. Aliza Abarbanel, Bon Appétit, 15 Mar. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'blister rust.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blister rust was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near blister rust

Cite this Entry

“Blister rust.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blister%20rust. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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