Thursday, September 17, 2026
Science

Fungi neutralize spruce defense mechanisms with sugar

A research team at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered a previously unknown strategy by which certain fungi neutralize spruce defense compounds. These fungi are introduced into trees by bark beetles, and their success makes it easier for bark beetles to invade the trees.

Fungi neutralize spruce defense mechanisms with sugar
Image: Phys.org
A research team at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology discovered a previously unknown strategy by which certain fungi neutralize spruce defense compounds. These fungi are introduced into trees by bark beetles, and their success makes it easier for bark beetles to invade the trees.

Originally published at Phys.org

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