Plants have sophisticated ways of communicating that challenge the traditional idea of them being passive and silent.
Research shows that plants can emit airborne chemical signals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when attacked by herbivores or under stress.
Nearby plants can detect these signals and activate their own defense mechanisms in advance.
In recent years, studies have revealed that ultrasonic sounds—tiny clicks emitted by stressed plants—can be detected by certain animals and even other plants.
These sounds are not audible to humans but can carry biological information, especially under drought stress or physical injury.
Another groundbreaking discovery is the use of mycorrhizal fungal networks—sometimes referred to as the “Wood Wide Web”—which allow plants to send warning signals, nutrients, or allelopathic chemicals (that suppress competitors) to neighboring plants underground.
Together, these mechanisms reveal a rich, complex world of plant-to-plant communication, vital for survival and ecological balance.
It’s an emerging field that combines plant physiology, ecology, and even bioacoustics.
Sources:
- Karban, R. (2015). Plant Sensing and Communication.
- Gagliano, M. et al. (2012). "Acoustic communication in plants: Do plants chatter?"
- Simard, S.W. et al. (2010). "Mycorrhizal networks: mechanisms, ecology, and modelling."
Plants have sophisticated ways of communicating that challenge the traditional idea of them being passive and silent.
Research shows that plants can emit airborne chemical signals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when attacked by herbivores or under stress.
Nearby plants can detect these signals and activate their own defense mechanisms in advance.
In recent years, studies have revealed that ultrasonic sounds—tiny clicks emitted by stressed plants—can be detected by certain animals and even other plants.
These sounds are not audible to humans but can carry biological information, especially under drought stress or physical injury.
Another groundbreaking discovery is the use of mycorrhizal fungal networks—sometimes referred to as the “Wood Wide Web”—which allow plants to send warning signals, nutrients, or allelopathic chemicals (that suppress competitors) to neighboring plants underground.
Together, these mechanisms reveal a rich, complex world of plant-to-plant communication, vital for survival and ecological balance.
It’s an emerging field that combines plant physiology, ecology, and even bioacoustics.
Sources:
- Karban, R. (2015). Plant Sensing and Communication.
- Gagliano, M. et al. (2012). "Acoustic communication in plants: Do plants chatter?"
- Simard, S.W. et al. (2010). "Mycorrhizal networks: mechanisms, ecology, and modelling."
