Have you ever considered the possibility of”consciousness” in other living things? While they lack mouths and ears, plants have developed a way of communicating with one another through chemical signals, electrical impulses, and underground networks. Their communications warn each other about pests, adapt to environmental changes, and share resources. The silent language of plants is more interconnected and responsive than we have ever imagined. The article will explore fascinating ways plants communicate and the science behind their secret interactions with examples. Let’s dive into world of biocommunication!

Key Words:

• Volatile organic compounds
• Surface receptors
• Underground fungal networks
• Electrical impulses

Biocommunication – How it works

Plants reveal their abilities to communicate in several fascinating ways, chemical signals, underground fungal networks, and electrical impulses. This is mainly to help them sense and respond to their environment.

Chemical signals

The first method plants communicate is by releasing chemical signals into the air to warn neighbouring plants of threats like herbivorous insects. When a plant faces an attack, it emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through its leaves. Other plants sense VOCs through their surface receptors, which prompts them to raise a line of defence by producing bitter or toxic chemicals through their leaves. Besides leaves, some plants can also release these compounds from their stems or flowers. The type of signal, such as attracting pollinators or warning about threats, determines where the compounds are emitted. This amazing system helps plants work together and adjust to environmental challenges.

Biocommunication – Underground fungal networks

The second method by which plants communicate is through underground fungal networks, often referred to as the “wood wide web.” This type of communication relies on the mycorrhizal fungi connected to different plants’ roots. This system helps plants share nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, helping weaker or younger plants survive. As mentioned previously, plants can also send warnings to each other prompting them to activate their defenses.

Electric Pluses

The last way described is plants communicating internally through electrical signals. When parts of the plant are attacked it generates electrical impulses that travel through its tissues, much like the nervous system of animals. These signals trigger responses in other parts of the plant, such as releasing defensive chemicals to deter the herbivore. For example, in tomato plants, these electrical signals can activate the production of compounds that make their leaves less tasty to pests. This internal signalling system allows plants to respond quickly to localized threats, protecting themselves from further harm.

Significance of discovery

The discovery of plant communication is significant because it challenges the traditional view of plants as passive organisms and reveals their ability to interact with their environment in complex ways. Understanding how plants communicate can improve agricultural practices by enhancing pest control through natural signalling methods, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. It also sheds light on the intricate networks within ecosystems, where plants support one another, contributing to biodiversity and resilience. Additionally, this knowledge opens doors for further research into sustainable farming, forest management, and even potential applications in biotechnology.