The imperceptible cries of plants

Animals react to sounds that plants emit, according to new research. This opens the possibility of an invisible ecosystem between them. The imperceptible screams of plants would be a type of inospecada communication. What is the first evidence of this? One that a team from the University of Tel Aviv discovered. It turns out that female moths avoided putting their eggs on certain tomato plants if they were emitting noise associated with anguish. It is something that could indicate that they are sick.

Responding to the call

The team was the first to demonstrate two years ago that plants shout when they are distressed or sick. The sounds are beyond the reach of the human ear. But they can be perceived by many insects, bats and some other mammals. "This is the first demonstration of an animal that responds to the sounds produced by a plant." Professor Yossi Yovel, from the University of Tel Aviv.

«For now, this is speculation. But it is possible that all types of animals make decisions based on the sounds they listen to the plants. For example, pollinize them, hide in them or eat them ». A series of carefully controlled experiments were performed. Now they will investigate the sounds that emit the different plants and if other species make decisions based on them. Another research area is whether plants can transmit information to each other through sound and act accordingly. For example, retaining water in drought conditions.

Researchers emphasize that plants are not aware. Sounds occur through physical effects caused by a change in their local conditions. What the discovery demonstrates is that these sounds can be useful for other animals. And possibly for plants, capable of perceiving them. Plants could evolve to produce more strong sounds or sounds if they are beneficial. Animal audition could evolve accordingly.

Experiment

How to confirm the response to the imperceptible cries of plants? In the experiment, the researchers focused on female moths. They usually put their eggs in tomato plants so that the larvae can feed them once hatched. They were looking for a healthy plant that can properly nourish the larvae. It was found that they did not put eggs due to the sound produced by the plants. The research has been published in the ELIFE magazine.