The language of plants - old wisdom rediscovered

The language of plants - old wisdom rediscovered

Have you ever wondered if plants like us communicate? It could surprise, but the world of plants is permeated by mysterious signals and clever strategies that have been causing studies and speculations for centuries. At a time when we use modern technology to improve our own communication, the old wisdom about vegetable interactions are rediscovered.

In this article we shed light on the fascinating mechanisms with which plants "speak" to each other and what evolutionary meaning this has. We take a look at the knowledge of old cultures that have long since understood the language of the plants, long before science dealt with this topic. So is there a deeper connection between people and the plant that we are only now starting to decrypt? And finally we examine how these ancient knowledge find practical applications in modern botany. Get into an exciting journey of discovery that shows the green in a completely new light!

The communication mechanisms of plants and their evolutionary meaning

plants communicate in a variety of ways, which often raises the first impression of silence and inertia. This communication takes place through chemical signals, physical reactions and electrical impulses. Scientific studies have shown that plants are able to react to environmental changes and to transfer information about different mechanisms.

A main mechanism is chemical communication in which plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances can be perceived by neighboring plants. For example, the fragrance of terpenes and other chemical substances that can affect taste and smell. Such signals not only serve the warning of pests, but can also stimulate other plants for the increased production of defenses.

Another aspect of herbal communication is mycorrhical interaction. Plants and mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship that enables the sewing exchange. It is believed that plants replace signals via the root network to cope with stress conditions or to “inform” other plants if resources such as water or nutrients are exhausted nearby.

In addition, investigations show that electrical impulses occur within plants that are reaction to injuries or environmental influences. Such signals can quickly spread over large distances within a plant and stimulate them to activate appropriate defense mechanisms. The mechanism is well documented in different types, such as mimosa, which closes its leaves at lightning speed when touched

The evolutionary importance of these mechanisms is enormous. Through communication, plants can cooperate, support each other and replace essential information. This not only affects the survival of individual plants, but also on biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. By being able to communicate with each other, they can react to threats and increase their chances of survival.

research shows how important these communication mechanisms are. The ability to coordinate and exchange information is crucial for survival and adaptability of the plants. These social aspects of the flora open up new perspectives on the role of plants in our ecosystem and their relevance for environmental and botany research.

old cultures and their knowledge of herbal signals

Old cultures have made remarkable observations about communication and signal behavior of plants for centuries. These findings are often based on traditions, myths and practical experiences that have been passed on over generations. The connection between man and plant shows how closely people have observed and interpret nature.

Egyptian civilization, for example, recognized the importance of plants as vital resources. Documents from ancient Egypt show that herbs were not only used for medical purposes, but also in rituals to summon certain vegetable properties. In particular, the use of myrrh and frankincense for the fragrance and for spiritual purposes reflects a deep understanding of herbal signals.

In indigenous American culture, the use of plants in ceremonies was widespread. The use of tobacco as a holy gift and means of communication with the spirits showed how plants were considered medium -sized. The strong rite -bound applications illustrate that the old peoples developed a deep knowledge of the signals that plants emit. Initiation and marriage ceremonies often included plants to ask for their protection and their blessings.

Another example can be found in Asian culture, where the art of Feng Shui is in line with nature. Plants are selected according to their energetic signature in order to achieve positive effects on the well -being of people. The fine differences in plant communication, which are given by their location and their neighborhood, show the significant influence of plants on human decisions and living conditions.

In many cultures, plants are also symbolic. Greek mythology shows that certain plants have divinity and are associated with certain properties or gods. In Aesops fables, plants serve as protagonists who convey human values ​​and teachings. These cultural narratives are not only stories, but also sensitive observations of the properties of plants and their way of communicating with their surroundings.

Practical applications of planting communication in modern botany

The knowledge about the communication mechanisms of plants have proven to be pioneering in modern botany. Various practical applications use these mechanisms to increase agricultural yields, regenerate natural ecosystems and prevent plant diseases. The most important contexts include:

• Interactive irrigation systems: The use of sensor systems that capture the water stress signals of plants enables precise irrigation.
• plant microbiom interactions: Certain bacteria and fungi support plant communication and strengthen the immune system of plants.
• Signal transmission to pest defense: plants can attract predators such as ladybugs to combat pests.

The understanding of these biological communication networks is increasingly used in agriculture. For example, technologies are used in precision agriculture that enable plant stress to be monitored in real time and react accordingly to their needs. In this way, farmers can use their resources more efficiently and minimize environmental pollution.

Table 1 shows the most important possible uses of plant communication in modern botany:

In medical botany, the communication of plants is also researched. Certain plants send out signals that help to adapt to stressors and can offer potential for the development of new therapies. Researchers examine how the chemical substances that are released by plants in the event of stress can be used in pharmacology.

In addition, experiments are underway to explore the effect of "alarm signals" on neighboring plants. It is possible that the combination of genetic manipulation and traditional breeding leads to a new era in plant production that not only increases the yields, but also reduces environmental pollution.

sources and further literature

references

• Michalzik, B., & Wurst, S. (2015). *The language of plants: communication mechanisms in the plant kingdom*. Springer Verlag.
• Kruuk, L. (2017). *Plant communication: former and modern theories*. Johann Wolfgang Goethe University.

Studies

• Friedrich, M., & Huber, J. (2020). "Plant communication via chemical signals: an overview". *Journal of Plant Biology*, 63 (3), 245-256.
• Karban, R., et al. (2014). "IndUced plans defenses and the role of volatile organic compounds". *Plant Signaling & Behavior*, 9 (8), E28781.

further literature

• Ballhorn, D. J., & Engelberth, J. (2014). *The interaction between plants, insects and microbes: a holistic view*. Beltz Verlag.
• Wohlleben, P. (2019). *The secret life of the trees: forests and their communication*. Albrecht Knaus Verlag.