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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the chemical arms race between a fungus, a tree, and a beetle.

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

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 ...

CNN — A tough, bell-shaped fungus that grows on the rotting bark of trees has been used as a fire starter for centuries, earning it the nickname "tinder fungus." Now, researchers are taking a closer ...

Dead limbs, exposed roots, and fungus are signs a tree is in trouble. Dead limbs, visible fungus, or storm damage can all point to deeper issues—an arborist can help decide if the tree can be saved or ...

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