Botanical Defense: The Tulip Tree's Secret to Pest Resistance

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Join Siegal Lifelong Learning for this upcoming lecture with Matthew Bertin, PhD, Gilles and Malvina Klopman Assistant Professor of Chemistry, CWRU

In a recent study from the Bertin Lab at CWRU, a fascinating natural defense mechanism of the tulip tree was uncovered. We isolated a compound that acts as a potent feeding deterrent against common insects. This discovery highlights the tulip tree’s ability to protect itself from herbivores using its own chemical arsenal. The molecule not only demonstrates the intricate strategies plants employ for survival but also offers potential applications in developing eco-friendly pest control solutions. By mimicking nature’s own methods, we can reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides and promote sustainable agricultural practices while exploring new avenues for exploring plant-based pest management strategies.

Dr. Bertin's research will be published in Journal of Natural Products from the American Chemical Society. This journal publishes high-impact research in all aspects on the chemistry and biology of natural product small molecules.

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