Spruce bark beetles hijack their host tree’s chemical defenses, transforming them into potent weapons against fungal threats.

Bark beetles can destroy spruce forests by converting the trees' defences into even more toxic substances, scientists ...

Fungi may help some tree-killer beetles turn a tree’s natural defense system against itself. This fungi-made perfume might explain why bark beetles tend to swarm the same tree. As climate change makes ...

Spruce bark beetles don’t just tolerate their host tree’s chemical defenses—they actively reshape them into stronger ...

Bark beetles may use receptors in their antennae to detect and feast on fungus-infected trees. The Eurasian spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus) – found in Europe, Asia and some parts of Africa – ...

Bark beetles convert spruce tree defenses into more potent antimicrobials to protect themselves, but a fungus can neutralize ...

Then there is the fungus, Beauveria bassiana. This fungus is neither the tree’s nor the beetle’s friend; as a pathogenic ...

Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Conifer forests across Europe are under siege from a tiny threat ...

Spruce bark is rich in phenolic compounds that protect trees from pathogenic fungi. A research team at the Max Planck ...

As Colorado experiences its signature whiplash weather, arborists are warning that stressed trees are more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Peel back the bark, and you may find a predator in your ...