Tomato and Tobacco Plants Emit Bubble-Wrap Popping Sounds in Ultrasonic Range

Tomato and Tobacco Plants Communicating with Insects(Image by Alexa from Pixabay )

Plants are often viewed as silent and static creatures, rooted in place and devoid of any form of communication. However, recent research has revealed that plants are much more complex and communicative than we ever imagined. In fact, they use a variety of techniques, including chemicals, electrical signals, and even sound to communicate with each other and their surroundings.

Plants Speak: The Fascinating World of Plant Communication

tomato emit sounds(Credit: Ohad Lewin-Epstein)

One of the most fascinating aspects of plant communication is the discovery that plants emit ultrasonic sounds when they are under stress. In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Tel Aviv University, tomato and tobacco plants were found to emit sounds that were comparable in volume to normal human conversation when they were subjected to stress, such as dehydration or having their stems severed. These ultrasonic noises are inaudible to humans, but can potentially be detected by insects, other mammals, and possibly other plants.

These sounds, which resemble the popping of bubble wrap, are a form of communication, carrying information about the plant's stress levels. The researchers used microphones to record the sounds of healthy and stressed plants and trained a machine-learning algorithm to differentiate between the types of stress and plant species. This opens up new possibilities for understanding Plant Communication and has potential applications in agriculture for monitoring crop hydration and optimizing irrigation systems.

But sound is not the only form of communication that plants use. They also emit chemicals, such as pheromones, that can be detected by other plants and insects. For example, when a plant is attacked by an insect, it may release a chemical signal that alerts neighboring plants to the presence of the predator. In response, these neighboring plants may increase their production of defensive chemicals to deter the predator.

In addition to chemical signals, plants also use electrical signals to communicate. These signals are transmitted through a network of cells called the phloem and can travel long distances within the plant. When a plant is under attack, electrical signals are generated that trigger the production of defensive chemicals in other parts of the plant, even if they are not directly under attack.

The discovery of plant communication is not only fascinating but also has important implications for our understanding of plant behavior and ecology. It suggests that plants are not just passive organisms but are actively engaged in a complex network of interactions with their environment and each other.

Furthermore, this research has potential applications in agriculture and forestry. By understanding how plants communicate, we may be able to develop new methods for pest control and disease prevention that are more sustainable and less harmful to the environment. We may also be able to optimize irrigation systems and improve crop yields by monitoring the stress levels of plants in real-time.

In conclusion, the world of plant communication is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field of research. From ultrasonic sounds to chemical and electrical signals, plants have a diverse range of communication methods that they use to interact with their environment and each other. As we continue to uncover the secrets of plant communication, we may gain a deeper understanding of these complex organisms and develop new ways to protect and sustain them.

Reference;

     Khait, I. et al. Cell

     sciencedirect