Did you know that plants can communicate with each other through chemical signals?

 This phenomenon, known as plant communication or plant signalling, involves releasing and detecting chemical compounds that convey important information between plants. One well-known example of plant communication is the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when a plant is attacked by herbivores. When a plant is being eaten, it can release specific VOCs into the air. Nearby plants, upon detecting these chemical signals, can pre-emptively activate their defence mechanisms to protect themselves from potential herbivory. Not only can plants communicate with their own species, but they can also interact with different plant species. 

Source of Image: Dwibedi et al., 2022 (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-022-12078-8)

 

For instance, some studies have shown that when a plant is experiencing drought stress, it can release chemical signals that alert nearby plants of impending stress. In response, these neighbouring plants may adjust their physiology to enhance their water-saving strategies. Plant communication also extends to below-ground interactions. In the rhizosphere, the area surrounding plant roots, plants can release chemical signals, such as specific molecules or hormones, which attract beneficial soil microbes. These microbes, in turn, can assist in nutrient uptake, disease resistance, and overall plant health. The study of plant communication is a fascinating field that highlights the complexity and interconnectedness of the plant kingdom. 
Understanding these communication mechanisms expands our knowledge of plant biology and has practical implications for agriculture, ecology, and even sustainable farming practices. The ability of plants to communicate through chemical signals underscores the intricate and sophisticated ways in which organisms interact and adapt in their environments, demonstrating the remarkable complexity of the natural world.
Here are a few additional fascinating aspects of plant communication:
Alarm Signaling: When a plant is attacked by herbivores, it can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemical signals that warn nearby plants of the impending danger. These signals prompt neighbouring plants to activate their defense mechanisms, such as producing toxins or strengthening cell walls, in preparation for potential herbivory.
Mutualistic Interactions: Plants can also communicate with beneficial organisms in their environment. For example, some plants release chemical signals to attract specific pollinators, ensuring successful reproduction. Similarly, plants in symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi communicate through chemical signals, exchanging nutrients and other resources.
Allelopathy: Some plants release chemical compounds called allelochemicals that influence the growth and development of other plants in their vicinity. These compounds can inhibit the germination or growth of neighbouring plants, providing a competitive advantage to the producing plant.
Priming: Plants can "prime" their defences by pre-activating certain genes and metabolic pathways in response to specific signals. This priming allows plants to respond more rapidly and effectively to subsequent stressors or attacks.
Interplant Communication Networks: Recent research suggests that plants may establish complex communication networks through underground fungal networks called mycorrhizal networks. These networks enable plants to exchange information and resources, facilitating communication between individuals of the same or different species.
Understanding the intricacies of plant communication not only expands our knowledge of plant biology but also holds promising implications for various applications. It can help in the development of sustainable agricultural practices, biocontrol strategies, and the conservation of natural ecosystems. Furthermore, it highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of organisms in their environment, showcasing the remarkable complexity of the natural world.

Reference

1.   Bhadrecha, P., Singh, S., & Dwibedi, V. (2023). ‘A plant’s major strength in rhizosphere’: the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. Archives of Microbiology, 205(5), 1-25.

2.     Dwibedi, V., Rath, S. K., Joshi, M., Kaur, R., Kaur, G., Singh, D., ... & Kaur, S. (2022). Microbial endophytes: Application towards sustainable agriculture and food security. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 106(17), 5359-5384.