Scientists discover plants emit ultrasonic clicks when distressed
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · Apr 26
Scientists discover plants emit ultrasonic clicks when distressed
12 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · Apr 26
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found tomato, tobacco, corn, wheat, grape, and cactus plants emit 60–65 decibel ultrasonic sounds when dehydrated or physically damaged, detectable by specialized microphones but inaudible to humans.
Stressed plants produced up to 50 clicks per hour, with sound patterns varying by stress type. Machine learning algorithms distinguished between healthy and stressed plants, suggesting potential for agricultural monitoring of crop hydration and stress.
The study raises questions about whether plants communicate intentionally and if animals or other plants respond to these sounds. Ongoing research explores ecological impacts and practical applications for farming and environmental monitoring.
Three years after their discovery, are smart farms now listening to their crops?
Can plants actually hear the ultrasonic warning 'screams' of their neighbors?
Could AI soon translate the secret acoustic language of plants for us?
What other hidden senses are scientists now uncovering in the plant world?
Which predators have learned to hunt by eavesdropping on stressed plants?
If plants signal distress, should we rethink their ethical standing?
Plants Emit 30-50 Ultrasonic Distress Signals Per Hour Under Stress: Mechanisms, Ecological Roles, and Agricultural Applications
Overview
In March 2023, researchers led by Ohad Lewin-Epstein discovered that plants under stress, such as dehydration or physical damage, emit ultrasonic sounds caused by cavitation—air bubbles forming and collapsing in their water vessels. These ultrasonic clicks vary in pattern depending on the type and severity of stress and the plant species. Machine learning can classify these patterns with about 70% accuracy. Interestingly, female Egyptian cotton leafworm moths detect these sounds and avoid laying eggs on stressed plants. Building on this discovery, agricultural systems now use contactless microphones and AI to monitor plant health early, enabling precise detection of drought, pests, and diseases for better crop management.