Plants speak to each other with soothing microscopic sounds, finds study. The study showed that sprouting chilli plants grow more successfully
next to a "friendly" neighbour, in this case an adult basil plant, but
when placed them beside fennel, germination is held back.This shows that even as seeds the plants recognize what kind of folk live next door. The scientists behind the study believe sounds generated by microscopic
movements within plant cells might be the key to the mystery, the Daily
Express reported. Fennel is a bad plant neighbour because it competes aggressively, releasing chemicals that stunt the growth of its rivals. Basil, on the other hand, produces helpful chemicals that keep out weeds and act as natural insect pest killers. Dr Monica Gagliano, from the University of Western Australia, who is the
lead researcher of the new study, had earlier found that, even when
protected against fennel's chemical attack, chilli seeds are reluctant
to germinate when placed near the plant. For the latest study, chilli seeds were planted in isolated dishes
around an adult basil plant that was either left open to the elements,
or sealed in a cylindrical box covered in black plastic. The cylinder blocked all airborne chemical signals, and all wavelengths
of light. As a comparison, other seeds were planted around a cylinder
that was left empty. More of the chilli seeds sprouted and grew when the basil neighbour was
present, whether or not the plant was masked and cut off from them. The scientists stated that the presence of basil positively enhanced
germination rates of chilli seeds, validating the claims of many
gardeners who recognise the beneficial effect of basil on the growth of
chilli plants. The fact that germination of chilli seeds did not differ between the
masked and open treatment indicates that light, touch or chemical
signals may be important but clearly not necessary for chilli seeds and
basil plants to sense each other's presence, they noted. The study results were published in the online journal BMC Ecology.
Source-ANI
Source-ANI
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