The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology
(Germany)

Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology

The Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology (MPI-CE) investigates ecological interactions with molecular, chemical and neurobiological techniques and is one of the most acclaimed research institutes in chemical ecology.

Eurofins Foundation provides a research grant to their project investigating the role of the microbiome of conifer bark-consuming insects in the detoxification of host tree defense compounds.

These insects’ outbreaks have killed millions of hectares of Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees, causing serious ecological and economic losses.  The research generated from this project will give new insights into how insects are able to survive on trees such as spruce with abundant chemical defenses, and so suggest new strategies to combat these forest pests.

This project contributes to the following United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal