The trees are being attacked by a fungus that can be transmitted by wind, insects and rain splash.

BBC: Ash dieback disease: Walkers urged to help prevent spread

By planting in these areas, it is hoped that the young trees will be exposed to the fungus and can be monitored for signs of resistance.

BBC: Government to plant 250,000 trees to beat ash dieback

And in a surprising development, a researcher in Switzerland discovered a special strain of fungus that can make an ordinary violin sing like a Stradivarius.

ENGADGET: Inhabitat's Week in Green: GPS shoes, shape-shifting bicycle and a wheelchair helicopter

New studies show that a specific type of fungus native to East Africa can infect mosquitoes and reduce their lifespan by two-thirds - to just seven days.

BBC: NEWS | Health | Fungi 'new tool' against malaria

Research showed that Taxol can be made by fermenting the fungus in vats, but so far harvesting it from trees remains more cost effective.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Strobel hopes the researchers can engineer better performance from the fungus.

FORBES: Energy & Genius

They believe it can pass between bats, but they also think humans have unwittingly carried the fungus as they have moved from cave to cave.

BBC: White-nose syndrome: Bats hit by killer disease