Brown root rot (caused by Phellinus noxius) and myrtle rust (caused by Austropuccinia psidii) are natural disturbances in their native tropical and subtropical forest ecosystems. A tree infected with either fungal pathogen becomes unhealthy and likely dies, sometimes within 3 months. These pathogens are threatening forest ecosystems around the world as they spread through international trade or other means, such as by wind or through the soil. Climate change also is creating environmental conditions that will allow these pathogens to survive in novel forest ecosystems where they haven’t been found historically.

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Year 2021 Volume 239