Plants Scream Like Us When Under Stress? Geez Who Knew?
Now that I know I’ll try and be more sensitive, but truthfully, thank God I can’t hear them or I’d be drinking a lot more lol.
Pal Jill Brooke Editor In Chief of Flower Power Daily got my attention with a piece she posted on the subject by Rebecca Ann Hughs titled ‘Plants “Scream” When Under Stress – Just Like Us’
Jill joined me to talk about the latest research on this phenomenon right on time for plant season.
It’s true. Although they might not be audible to human ears, plants do make noises.
“Researchers in Israel found that plants make a high-frequency clicking sound when placed under stress. Their findings were published this week in the peer-reviewed journal Cell Press.”
Those researchers spent 6 years listening to plants like tomatoes, grapevines, tobacco and wheat. The plants made noises when they were cut or when they were thirsty and apparently the sound is like a pop of popcorn or bubble wrap.
(I’ll never feel the same again about cutting a basil plant)
Also just because we can’t hear plants, it doesn’t mean that they are silent to other forms of life. Insects like moths, or mammals such as mice bats, can hear plants. Who Knew?
What’s interesting about these findings is that scientists now want to apply this knowledge to agriculture and farming to better care for crops. Think ‘sensors’ that tell growers when plants need watering.
According to the study, “more precise irrigation can save up to 50% of the water expenditure and increase the yield.” Wow it does pay to listen!
Enjoy this friendly screaming plant update podcast with Jill Brooke Editor In Chief of Flower Power Daily from our fun live conversation on The Debbie Nigro Show.
