Author: Ankita Purkayastha1*
1Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, Moran College, Moranhat, Charaideo 785670, Assam, India
*Corresponding author: purkayasthaankita1@gmail.com
Abstract
In the natural world, plants have long been underestimated in their capacity to communicate. Unlike their mobile animal counterparts, plants, rooted in one place, have evolved sophisticated chemical signaling mechanisms to interact with their environment and neighboring plants. This article delves into the intricate world of plant communication, focusing on the transmission of information through chemical signals. Plants release a wide
array of compounds into the soil, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and secondary metabolites, which serve as messengers, alerting nearby plants to herbivore threats, resource competition, and nutrient availability. Mycorrhizal networks, akin to the internet of the plant world, play a crucial role in facilitating long-distance communication, resource sharing, and collective adaptation among plants. Moreover, plants have developed
complex responses to these chemical signals, altering their growth patterns, defense mechanisms, resource allocation, and even phenotypic characteristics in response to environmental cues. Plant communication through chemical signals enhances adaptability and survival, with real-world examples illustrating its role in responding to threats and coping with challenging conditions. This communication fosters cooperation, resilience, and vitality within plant communities, influencing the fields of agriculture and ecosystem management. Nevertheless, the complexity of these signals and their interpretations poses a significant challenge, prompting ongoing research into the deciphering of these chemical languages and their broader ecological implications. The future of plant communication research holds promise, offering the potential to revolutionize our understanding of plant consciousness, agriculture, and conservation. This captivating realm challenges our perception of the plant kingdom, revealing the hidden secrets of underground communication that underpin the adaptability and resilience of the natural world.
Keywords
Plant Communication, Chemical Signaling, Mycorrhizal Networks, Herbivore Deterrence.
