Insects can hear when plants talk, finds groundbreaking study
And yes, those moths make smarter decisions because of it. Welcome to the wild world of plant-insect acoustic communication, a concept that's flipping science on its head. Researchers from
Tel Aviv University
have now confirmed that insects listen when plants talk. This discovery doesn't just sound cool, it could transform how we understand agriculture, ecology, and pest control forever.
What the study reveals about insects listening to plants
This isn't science fiction—it's ultrasonic reality. In a peer-reviewed
study
published in eLife, scientists found that tomato plants under stress (like from drought or dehydration) release ultrasonic sounds, like clicks or pops. These sounds are far above the range of human hearing—but perfectly audible to certain insects, especially moths. Here's what the researchers found:
Plants emit ultrasonic distress sounds when they're under stress, especially from dehydration or physical damage.
Moths actively avoid these 'noisy' plants, opting to lay their eggs on quieter, healthier plants instead.
This behaviour disappears when the moths' hearing is impaired, proving they are reacting to sound—not smell or sight.
How do plants talk?
When a tomato plant is water-stressed, it emits dozens of ultrasonic clicks per hour—compared to just one or two when healthy. These sounds are likely the result of internal tension in the plant's vascular system. While the plants may not 'intend' to communicate, the sound gives away their internal state. And that's where things get wild: insects are eavesdropping on plants. The study used:
Ultrasonic microphones to record plant emissions
Controlled moth behaviour experiments to track how moths responded to recorded
plant sounds
Tests on deafened moths to confirm the sounds—not visuals or smells—were responsible for the behavioural shift
Why this study is a game changer
Redefines plant communication
Until now, we thought plants mainly 'communicated' through chemical signals.
This adds a new acoustic layer to plant behaviour that scientists never expected.
Proves insect auditory response to plants
This is the first-ever evidence that insects detect and act on sounds made by plants—a discovery with enormous ecological significance.
Revolutionizes pest control possibilities
Imagine using ultrasonic plant sounds to keep pests away—no chemicals, no traps, just clever audio. This is the future of sustainable farming and crop protection.
The implications are massive. If insects listen to plants, what other species might be tuned in to these secret signals? Could farmers use this knowledge to trick pests—or even detect plant stress early? Tel Aviv University's findings kick open a new field of plant bioacoustics, and we're just scratching the surface. As researchers explore other species and ecosystems, don't be surprised if your garden gets even chattier.
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- Time of India
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Indian Express
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NDTV
22-07-2025
- NDTV
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