A group of Japanese scientists has succeeded in documenting for the first time the conversation among plants exchanging warnings about possible threats.
The discovery, published by researchers from the University of Saitama, reveals the complexity of biological interactions in plant ecosystems.
Plant conversation networks
The research, led by molecular biologist Masatsugu Toyota, demonstrated that plants use communication networks based on chemical and physical signals to send alert messages.
This discovery offers new perspectives for chemical ecology and defense against crop pests, opening opportunities for future studies in advanced plant biology.
How do plants communicate?
Plants employ an invisible language based on volatile chemical compounds and physical changes to interact with each other. When a plant faces an attack from pests or environmental stress, it releases molecules detectable by its neighbors.
These chemical signals activate defense mechanisms in nearby species, preparing them for imminent threats. In addition, recent studies highlight the use of physical signals, such as vibrations and modifications in reflected light, to facilitate this communication.
Innovative plant experiment
The Toyota team conducted a pioneering experiment using tomato plants and weeds. They used a pump system to transfer compounds released by damaged plants to healthy ones.
To monitor the responses, they used fluorescent biosensors that emitted green light when detecting changes in cellular calcium levels. Intact plants reacted immediately, showing bursts of calcium signals indicating an activation in their defense systems, confirming the existence of highly sophisticated plant communication networks.
Plant defense and chemical signals
Chemical signals play a crucial role in plant defense, acting as an early warning system among plants. When a plant is under attack, it releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be detected by nearby plants. These chemical signals have key functions:
- Activation of internal defenses: Receiving plants produce toxins or repellent chemicals to deter herbivores.
- Preparation for future attacks: They enhance their structural defenses, such as thickening cell walls, or produce toxic secondary metabolites.
- Attraction of natural enemies: Some plants release compounds that attract natural predators of pests, facilitating biological control.
“Finally, we have unraveled the intricate story of how plants respond to the warning messages from their threatened neighbors,” Toyota stated.
This finding boosts research in botany and introduces new strategies to protect crops against pests and adverse conditions.
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