Metabolome analysis and functional characterization reveals that <scp>d</scp> ‐gluconic acid contributes to pine defence against <scp> <i>Bursaphelenchus xylophilus</i> </scp> infection

This discovery indicated that activating the pentose phosphate pathway could increase the ability of pine trees to defend against nematodes, which not only enhances the understanding of pine resistance, but also promotes breeding research on pine trees and provides a novel perspective for the development of new insecticidal substances. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.