Plants can warn each other of danger

The trade in timber and wood products is a lucrative business that generates millions. Enormous quantities of greenery are felled worldwide every year. As a result, the ecological situation suffers. Trees not only contribute to the production of oxygen but also help prevent landslides, among other things.

There are entire websites where one can purchase natural wood in various forms. For example, https://woodresource.ru/, which offers similar products. The range includes not only round timber or veneer, but also seeds and planting materials.

Authorities in various countries are attempting to combat deforestation. The plants themselves, however, are capable of warning each other of potential danger. Scientists recently reached this conclusion.

How plants inform each other

Research has made it clear that plants possess genes that signal danger. In response to external stimuli, trees and shrubs release a hormone – jasmonate. It is produced when plants are attacked by mosquitoes, fungi, heat, or excessive cold.

The study of jasmonic acid enabled scientists to identify which genes are responsible for trees' reaction to danger.

During the research, specialists grew plants in the dark and then treated them with jasmonate. Subsequently, scientists obtained the DNA and proteins of the specimens. This allowed them to determine the precise location of the genes.

The aim of the research was to observe how plants process information received from their environment and how it affects their growth and further development.

Ultimately, scientists identified the genes responsible for the response to jasmonate. They discovered regions that participate directly in cellular cross-communication with other plants.

The research findings will help breeders develop crops that are more resilient to harsh conditions.

However, these mechanisms will not protect plants from human actions. In this case, the entire responsibility for caring for the vegetation on our planet falls on the shoulders of ordinary people who care about the fate of greenery.