Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Plants Warn Each Other: Study

By Jess Kilby,  Newser User

Posted Jun 22, 2009 7:11 AM CDT

(Newser) – They can't quite Twitter, but plants have sophisticated means of communication nonetheless, reports the Telegraph. A new study suggests they use complex chemical signals to discuss both predators and pollinators. In one test, sagebrush shrubs whose neighbors had their leaves clipped, as if by grasshoppers, appeared to grow more resilient, suggesting they'd been warned.

"Plants not only respond to reliable cues in their environments but also produce cues that communicate with other plants and with other organisms," said the study’s co-author. Another recent study indicated that tomato plants respond to the human voice, vindicating a beleaguered Prince Charles—who was widely mocked for decades after advising that gardeners should talk to their plants.

New research suggests that plants communicate with each other using complex chemical signals.
New research suggests that plants communicate with each other using complex chemical signals.   (Flickr)
A new study suggests that tomato plants respond to the human voice.
A new study suggests that tomato plants respond to the human voice.   (Flickr)
A carniolan honey bee works the hyacinth in Washington Park in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
A carniolan honey bee works the hyacinth in Washington Park in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday, May 7, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 3 comments
chicken
Jun 22, 2009 7:13 AM CDT
Plant's aren't capable of thought, therefore no cognition. However, hormones used by plants are well studied, and can influence surrounding plants reaction to stimuli.
Observer
Jun 22, 2009 4:23 AM CDT
Plants are alive - they react to stimuli. There is not enough research into plant cognition. They sense vibrations, pressure, water, chemicals and light. All people should be more in touch with plants - they keep us alive.

More Newser Stories

Plant Your Own Beer Garden

Human Hair Grows Plants, Profits for Fla. Company

Gardeners Dig These Gadgets


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne