Effects of Resinous Compounds from Pine Trees on Spore Germination and Mycelial Growth of a Nematophagous Fungus, Esteya vermicola

Researchers tested whether a beneficial fungus called Esteya vermicola could be injected into pine trees to fight pine wilt disease. However, they discovered that natural resinous compounds found in pine trees strongly inhibit the growth of this fungus. The findings suggest that trunk injection of this fungus may not be an effective treatment because the tree’s own defensive compounds prevent the fungus from establishing itself and fighting the harmful nematodes.