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Health & Science3h 24m ago
A new forest study challenged the idea that tough leaves stop hungry insects, finding that silicon offers better protection than leathery foliage.
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China
Who
Longxin Lu of the South China Botanical Garden (SCBG), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Hui Liu
What
A new forest study challenged the idea that tough leaves stop hungry insects, finding that silicon offers better protection than leathery foliage.
When
Sun, 14 Jun 2026 12:45:00 GMT · 3h 24m ago
Where
China ·
Why
New measurements across dozens of Chinese forest species showed that tougher leaves were preferred by insects, and actual protection came from silicon.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
This research provides a new understanding of plant defense mechanisms, highlighting silicon and heat tolerance as key factors in insect herbivory. This could help forecasters identify forests at risk and offer plant breeders a new tool for developing more resilient tree species.
Story chain
3 events in this thread- Health & Science3h 24m agoNew measurements across dozens of Chinese forest species challenged the idea that tough foliage protects against insects, finding that tougher leaves attracted more insects, while silicon in leaves offered better protection.Open article
- Currently Reading3h 24m agoA new forest study challenged the idea that tough leaves stop hungry insects, finding that silicon offers better protection than leathery foliage.
- Health & Science3h 24m agoA new forest study found that tough leaves, contrary to previous ecological ideas, attract more hungry insects, while silicon provides more effective protection.Open article