Plants Listen to Their Neighbors via Underground Network

oxford/amsterdam - Plants do not warn each other of danger but eavesdrop on neighbors through an underground network, a new study reveals.

Underground Communication Network of Plants

Scientists have long known about an underground network connecting plants via a symbiotic relationship with fungi called mycorrhiza, referred to as the 'wood wide web.' This network allows plants to share resources and information. When a plant is attacked, neighboring plants amp up their defense mechanisms through this network. However, the exact communication process has been a mystery until recently.

Contrary to the theory of evolution, researchers found that plants alerting each other would not provide a clear benefit. The study by Oxford and Amsterdam universities used mathematical models to explore various scenarios. They discovered it is unlikely for plants to evolve to warn neighbors since they compete for sunlight and nutrients. In fact, plants may benefit from sending deceptive signals to harm nearby plants.

The study's lead author, Thomas Scott, stated, 'Our results suggest that plants are more likely to behave deceitfully towards their neighbors rather than altruistically.' Scott explained that plants might falsely signal an incoming threat to manipulate competitors into investing in costly defense mechanisms.

Researchers proposed two plausible alternatives: plants may involuntarily emit signals when attacked or fungi could monitor host plants and signal when an attack occurs. Fungi benefit from protecting all connected plants. Toby Kiers of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam suggested, 'Perhaps it is the fungal networks that emit warning signals, as they rely on plants for sustenance.' Kiers added that organisms continuously gather information from their surroundings, questioning whether plants actively warn each other or simply eavesdrop like gossiping neighbors.