Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Plants know when they're being eaten

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

University of Missouri scientists Heidi Appel and Rex Cocroft have discovered that plants can tell when they're being eaten and, moreover, produce chemicals to try and defend themselves. They reported their findings in a paper entitled "Plants respond to leaf vibrations caused by insect herbivore chewing," published in Oecologia journal in July. Many websites picked up the story, and some were downright smug about it. Gizmodo.com's headline began with "Nice Try, Vegans."

The study measured the responses of Arabidopsis thaliana, a Eurasian plant commonly used in scientific experiments, to the played-back vibrations of caterpillars chewing. The researchers found that after the plant was "primed" with chewing vibrations, it responded to being fed on by actual caterpillars with increased output of glucosinolate and anthocyanin defenses.

As a control, the study also measured responses to wind and insect song, and found that these vibrations had no effect on the plants.

This could be just the tip of the spear. The paper theorizes that "'eavesdropping' between plants may be possible," as vibrations travelling from plant to plant through connecting roots, stems or even the air can alert neighbouring plants to the presence of a herbivore. (How do you say "look out" in plant-speak?) Similarly, plants may be able to detect the vibrations of underground predators through their roots.

A University of Missouri video posted on MUNews.missouri.edu theorizes that these findings could be used to find new ways to help plants defend themselves against pest pressure. BF

Current Issue

June/July 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Ontario Funds 28 Agri Food Research Projects

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Ontario has announced $5.4 million in funding for 28 innovative research projects at the University of Guelph, aiming to protect farmers, enhance the food supply chain, and foster environmental sustainability. This investment comes from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness... Read this article online

Boost Crop Yields with Smart Fertilization

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Soil testing is a valuable tool for managing crop nutrition, especially in Ontario where nutrient levels play a crucial role in crop yields. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA), fertilizer recommendations based on soil test results can vary depending on... Read this article online

HJV Equipment Now Full-Line PTx Trimble Dealer

Thursday, July 17, 2025

HJV Equipment is thrilled to announce its designation as a full-line PTx Trimble dealer. This strategic move enhances the company’s capability to offer advanced precision agriculture technology, catering to the growing needs of modern farmers. As part of this expansion, HJV Equipment... Read this article online

Ontario Tender Fruit Season off to a Strong Start

Monday, July 14, 2025

Ontario's 2025 tender fruit and table grape season is off to a promising start reports the Ontario Tender Fruit and Fresh Grape Growers. While the weather may be too hot for some farmers, it has has been ideal for producing a sweet and juicy crop. A cooler-than-usual spring delayed the... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top