It turns out we aren’t the only ones who complain when things don’t go our way.
A recent study published in the journal Cell found that similar to humans, plants have a way of expressing their discontent, too.
Study finds stressed plants cry
According to Scientific American, the noises were more obvious when plants were stressed because of dehydration or a recent cutting (and rightly so!).
Interestingly, hydrated uncut plants were much quieter.
Lilach Hadany, a researcher in the study at Tel-Aviv University in Israel, told the publication the sound “is a bit like popcorn – very short clicks. It is not singing.”
The study
First, researchers focused on tomato and tobacco plants because of their easy growth and well-understood genetics.
The plants were placed in soundproof boxes with two microphones pointed at their stems. The results showed plants do make sounds, especially when dehydrated or having their stems cut.
Once researchers realised tomato and tobacco plants made sounds, they wanted to see if others plants did too. It was also discovered grapevines and wheat, made the same sounds.
Lilach Hadanytold The New York Times she thinks the sound is due to cavitation, something that happens when we crack our knuckles.
“Cavitation is the most likely explanation, at least for most of the sounds,” she said.
Cavitation occurs when bubbles in the plant’s vascular system pop. The sound is too high-pitched to be picked up by humans, but it’s thought some animals might be able to hear it.
That said, the exact cause of the sound needs more research.
What does this mean?
Dr Richard Karban, an ecologist at the University of California, Davis, told The New York Times the study shows plants are “exquisitely aware of their environments.”
While more research is still needed on plant communication, if you haven’t watered your plants in a while – now might be a good time to do so.
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