Plants Engage in Communication Beyond Our Perception

In the chaotic and bustling world, plants offer us tranquility and serenity. They don't shout or move around; they simply sit silently. But what if I told you that at this very moment, your favorite cactus is engaging in a form of communication with its fellow plants? These messages exchanged among plants could actually assist us humans in feeding the world.

Plants have a wide range of conversations, covering various topics and lending a helping hand. It's not limited to the large plants like trees; even small patches of moss can be quite chatty. By the way, if you've ever taken a deep breath of freshly cut grass, you've unknowingly communicated with a plant. Plants possess a complexity in their communication comparable to that of animals, and there's still much to be discovered about these talkative beings.

For instance, a recent study revealed that many plant species produce high-pitched sounds that are inaudible to humans. These sounds serve as a means for plants to communicate when they're under stress. However, communication among plants extends far beyond stress signals. They have been engaging in dialogues with various creatures, including predators and pollinators.

But why should we bother eavesdropping on plants? Well, it could potentially help us solve some of the most pressing challenges our planet faces today. With a growing population and changing climate, we must find ways to cultivate more food using less land. Understanding plant communication could hold the key. However, plants don't communicate in the same manner as we do. Without a nervous system, they cannot exchange signals back and forth like humans. Instead, they employ a complex network of pipes and tubes to transmit information. It resembles plumbing more than anything else.

For example, if a leaf detects a predator or a change in light or sound, it sends a signal to the rest of the plant. On the other hand, roots can sense drought and transmit a signal to the leaves, signaling the need to conserve water. Electrical signals travel through the plant via a sophisticated system of tubular connections containing chemicals.

Here's the most fascinating part: we can actually observe this electrical communication by attaching electrodes to different parts of the plant. There are even instruments available that can translate these electric charges into audible sounds. So, when a plant is injured, we can hear the electrical signals emanating from the wound. Moreover, if two plants are touching, they can even transmit these signals to each other.

But communication among plants isn't solely about sensing changes in the environment. Take the example of Venus fly traps and sensitive plants like Mimosa pudica. They utilize electrical signals when they are touched. In response, they emit a signal that triggers their unique reactions: the Venus fly trap snaps shut to capture its prey, while the sensitive plant moves and shakes to fend off insects.

However, communication among plants isn't limited to electrical signals alone. Various chemicals, particularly hormones, play a significant role. One hormone called auxin, produced at the top of a plant, travels downward, informing the plant of its upright orientation. This is crucial for a sprout trying to break through the soil's surface and reach sunlight.

But it's not solely about growth and development. When a plant faces danger, it needs to react swiftly to defend itself. Many plants release a hormone called jasmonic acid, which triggers the production of toxins, safeguarding the plant against predators like insects. It's as if the plant is saying, "We must fight back!" Interestingly, some species can detect when neighboring plants are responding to danger. Mice can pick up on these signals, while insects can sense the chemical messages being emitted. Imagine walking through the woods and hearing a tree cry out in pain in the distance—it would be eerie.