Bark beetles target a tree's self defences - but a fungus can help

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

This Fungus Turns Bark Beetles’ Defenses Against Them

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

Fungus disarms bark beetle chemical shields by converting their plant-derived toxins

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

This Beetle Is in a Toxic Relationship With a Tree. Luckily, They Know a Fungi

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

Bark beetles use the smell of fungus to pick the best trees to infest

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 – ...
Popular Science

These beetles sniff out fungus-infected trees to find their next target

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 ...
AZoLifeSciences on MSN

Fungus turns bark beetles’ defenses against them

Spruce bark beetles use the plant defense compounds in spruce bark as a protective mechanism. After feeding, they metabolize ...