We’ve all heard the saying “can plants feel pain?” We don’t have to wonder anymore – because when a plant is stressed, it actually produces a sound. A recent study conducted by Swiss researchers has revealed that a plant can make noises under environmental stress.
The researchers monitored the audio properties of stressed, dehydrated plants using an acoustic sensor. This was then compared to a control group which consisted of healthy, hydrated plants. The plants in the study released sound waves that increased in loudness as the water limit decreased.
The study also found that different plants respond to stress with different sound frequencies. This means that plants communicate with each other through audio in order to warn other plants nearby of any potential danger. When a plant’s roots become dry, it emits a low frequency, like a deep hum, which other plants nearby pick up on. This alert causes the plants to prepare for drought by enhancing their drought tolerance.
The findings from this study are important for monitoring agricultural health. Farmers can now use these sensors to understand the stress levels of their crops. This technology could provide an early warning system for a drying climate, allowing farmers to take action before their crops suffer too much damage.
In addition to informing agricultural practices, this research could also provide insights into the complex ways that plants interact with and respond to the environment. As we continue to explore the science of plants and their ability to communicate, we have the potential to unlock fantastic insights into the relationships between plants and the environment. Who knows what other sounds our plants have to offer if we just listen in?