Crossword Genius

Fungal problem -- mate is scheduled for treatment (5,3,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dutch elm disease

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'fungal problem' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'mate is scheduled for treatment' is the wordplay.
'for treatment' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'mate'+'is'+'scheduled'='mateisscheduled'
'mateisscheduled' with letters rearranged gives 'DUTCH ELM DISEASE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dutch elm disease that I've seen before include "tree problem" , "threat to the forest" , "What bark beetles help to cause" , "Disorder of trees" , "Fungal tree ailment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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