Wouldn’t it be crazy if plants could talk to each other? As far-fetched as that may seem, it’s actually not too far from the truth. The reality is that while plants can’t talk like humans do, they can communicate with each other using a complex communication system. Not only that, but they can “talk” to different species of plants as well. But how? As it turns out, plants are able to interact with their environment in a variety of ways, including through volatile organic compounds, root interaction, vibrations, and electrical signals, revealing that they are quite capable of communicating.
VOCs
Plants can release volatile organic compounds, more commonly known as VOCs, which are chemicals that are released in order to communicate (4). Plants absorb VOCs from the air into their leaves, and then move them to the root zones to be broken down by microbes (6). Interestingly, VOCs can travel long distances, which is why they are the main communication form for desert plants, where plants are more sparse. These VOCs allow communication between plants and other organisms for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons for such communication:
- To Send Out Warnings:
For instance, VOCs can be used to communicate about potential danger. When an insect is feeding on a plant’s leaves, the plant can emit specific VOCs to warn other plants nearby about potential danger. This allows time for the other plants to defend themselves by strengthening their cell walls to create a stronger barrier or to produce a toxic compound that deters herbivores and pathogens (4).
- To Lure in Help:
Additionally, VOCs can be used to communicate with micro-organisms that surround plants. Plants intentionally send signals from their roots to draw in specific microorganisms that aid their growth. In other words, they use VOCs to lure in good microbiota. This can be beneficial in numerous ways, as the microbiota can help manage the production of toxic cells and hormones and help facilitate the growth of roots (4). Along with the good bacteria, plants are able to attract mycorrhizal fungi to their roots. The plants and the fungi then form a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from a nutrient and water exchange (7). The advantages of this symbiotic relationship extend to other plants, supporting the weaker and younger plants nearby (3).
- To Claim Territory
One very interesting aspect of plant communication is their ability to release VOCs through their roots to share information to discourage root growth. Through their underground system of roots, plants can communicate by releasing chemicals that literally stop the root growth of other plants. This could be likened to how dogs urinate to mark their territory. Plants use VOCs from their roots to essentially say, “Back off! This is my territory!” (5).
While VOCs allow plants to communicate with each other and their environment, they are not these organism’s only form of communication. Plants can communicate through their roots, sounds, vibrations, and electrical signals.
Root
While VOCs can be emitted from the roots, the root system’s role in communication does not stop there. For example, in a scenario where two plant’s roots are touching, the plants can share information about environmental stressors such as drought conditions. As a result, both plants would know to conserve water by closing their leaves’ pores (5).
Vibrations
Plants can use vibrations to recognize their neighbors (5). Studies have shown that when plants detect vibrations from neighbors, their growing strategies might change. For example, they might lean more towards the sun or adjust their root systems based on the vibrations they detect from their neighbor (6).
Electrical signals
Additionally, plants use electrical signals to communicate within themselves to trigger defense mechanisms so as to defend themselves from incoming danger (10). Electrical signals can also be used to warn other plants about potential dangers (2).
Sound
Finally, research has found that plants are able to communicate with sound. For example, stressed plants, such as ones that are dehydrated or damaged physically, can produce ultrasonic sounds. While humans are unable to hear these noises, scientists believe that some animals and possibly even other plants can hear them and use these as a cue (5). Researchers are currently investigating to see if and how plants can potentially respond to the sounds emitted by other plants (8).
While plants clearly do not have mouths or ears to communicate like humans, scientists believe that they are more similar to us than we think. Although they may not be able to communicate verbally with each other, these living organisms have an intricate communication system made up of chemical signals, root interactions, vibrations, electrical signals, and, potentially, ultrasonic sounds. These instruments allow them to exchange information about vital topics like potential threats and environmental conditions. Clearly, plants are much more complex and interactive than most people tend to give them credit for. So, the next time you go for a walk, take a moment to be in awe of the plants communicating all around you.
Works Cited
- Naomi Curati, et al. “Plants Can ‘Speak’ to Each Other.” Frontiers for Young Minds, kids.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/frym.2022.658692. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
- Ben Koschalka. “Plants Communicate with Each Other via Electrical Signals in Their Leaves, Find Polish Scientists.” Notes From Poland, 31 May 2022, notesfrompoland.com/2022/05/31/plants-communicate-with-each-other-via-electrical-signals-in-their-leaves-find-polish-scientists/.
- “Biology.” StudySmarter UK, www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/biology/ecology/plant-communication/. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
- CORDIS, cordis.europa.eu. “Can Plants Communicate with One Another?” CORDIS, 7 June 2022, cordis.europa.eu/article/id/436468-can-plants-communicate-with-one-another#:~:text=Instead%2C%20they%20release%20volatile%20organic,them%20of%20a%20possible%20attack.
- New Hampshire Public Radio, “Outside/Inbox: Can Plants Talk to Each Other?” New Hampshire Public Radio, 26 May 2023, www.nhpr.org/environment/2023-05-26/outside-inbox-can-plants-talk-to-each-other.
- “Plant Bioacoustics.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 2 July 2024, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_bioacoustics.
- “Plant Communication.” Botany Made Easy ~ Plant Communication, www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/botany/communication.htm. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
- Plants Emit Ultrasonic Popping Sounds When Stressed | Natural History Museum, www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2023/april/plants-emit-ultrasonic-popping-sounds-when-stressed.html. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
- Using Houseplants to Clean Indoor Air, www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/of-39.pdf. Accessed 1 Nov. 2024.
- Yang, Allie. “Plants Can Talk. Yes, Really. Here’s How.” Science, 12 Apr. 2023, www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/plants-can-talk-yes-really-heres-how.