Do you know that tense plants make sounds and insects can actually hear them? A new Israeli study shows that when tomato plants are stressed, they emit high frequency sounds that can detect moths. And yes, these moths make smarter decisions from this. Welcome to the wild world of plant acoustic communication, a concept that flips the science on the head. Researchers at the University of Tel -Awiva have now confirmed that the insects are listening when the plants are talking. This discovery is not just cool, but it can transform how we understand agriculture, ecology and pest control forever.
What the study reveals about insects that listen to plants
This is not a science fiction – it is an ultrasonic reality. In a reviewed study published in ELIFE, scientists have found that tomato plants under stress (such as drought or dehydration) produce ultrasonic sounds such as clicks or pops. These sounds are much higher than the human hearing range, but fully heard for certain insects, especially mololi. That’s what researchers have found:
- Plants emit ultrasonic distress sounds when they are stressed, especially from dehydration or physical damage.
- Molly actively avoid these “noisy” plants, deciding instead put eggs on more calm, healthy plants.
- This behavior disappears when the moth hearing is broken, proving that they respond to the sound – it does not smell and vision.
How are the conversations of the plant?
When the tomato plant is subjected to water supply, it radiates dozens of ultrasonic presses per hour saying only one or two when it is healthy. These sounds are probably the result of internal tension in the vascular plant system. Although plants may not “intend” to communicate, the sound distributes their inner state. And here everything is strange: the insects eavesdropped the plants. Used study:
- Ultrasonic microphones to record plant emissions
- Experiments with behavior with controlled mololi to track as molly reacted to recorded
Plant the sounds - Disadated moth tests to confirm sounds – not visual materials and smells – were responsible for offset behavior
Why is this study – this is a change of games
Rethinks a plant connection
So far, we thought that the plants were mostly “reported” through chemical signals. This adds a new acoustic layer to plants that scientists have never expected.
Proves insects of auditory reactions to plants
This is the first in history proof that the insects show and act on sounds made by plants-opening with huge environmental importance.
Revolutionizes pest control possibilities
Imagine that you use ultrasonic plants to keep pests – no chemicals, no traps, just a smart audio. It is a future sustainable agricultural and plants protection.The consequences are massive. When insects listen to plants, what other species can be tuned on these secret signals? Can farmers use this knowledge to trick pests – or even early to detect the stress of plants? University’s conclusions Tel -Awiva start in the new plant bioacoustation, and we just scratch the surface. Because researchers study other types and ecosystems, do not be surprised if your garden becomes even more chatter.Also Read How to protect wooden furniture from moisture during monsons: Maintenance tips that work
