(IMAGE) Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ Caption Plants are also able to make complex decisions. At least this is what scientists have concluded from their investigations on barberry (Berberis vulgaris), which is able to abort its own seeds to prevent parasite infestation. Approximately 2,000 berries were collected during this study from different regions of Germany, examined for signs of piercing and then cut open to examine any infestation by the larvae of the tephritid fruit fly (Rhagoletis meigenii). Credit Photo: Steffen Hauser / botanikfoto Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.