What signals, to the plant, it is stressed?

Article ‘find’ of the week

This week I came across an article I found thought provoking.

We know that when a plant is under stress, or is unable to take enough water up, the plant will go into ‘protection mode’, the stomata will close and therefore slow the growth potential of the plant.  Something I haven’t considered in the past is what signal is given, from the roots to the top of the plant, to indicate that the engine in the substrate (roots) was for some reason struggling to push water and nutrients to the top of the plant.  In a greenhouse situation the top of the plant can be a long way from the roots/substrate.   –So, what is the signal for the plants to protect itself, when it finds itself under stress – is it an electrical signal?  (Please see link below)

If an electrical signal could be identified/measured from the plants, by a device, this would almost be kin to learning a new language and unlocking a huge key.   This language, if deciphered, would be a game changer.  For a grower this may indicate early that there was an irrigation or environmental issue.

A better way of controlling the plant is the goal.  If these electrical signals can be broken down into a language humans can understand then perhaps, for example irrigation, would not be done on the traditional solar trigger but on the plants electrical signal.  Food for thought?

I am presenting a virtual talk to the PCA in March on what is the best irrigation strategies for greenhouse vegetables.  To be fair my initial response to the topic is – unless a plant can talk no one knows exactly, and if we did already know why are we all growing in different substrates?  I have always hoped new technology would one day have possible solutions – this may not be the answer, but it is certainly very interesting.

Sustainability and reducing waste are vitally important but so is every business’ ability to reduce costs.   Making sure for every cent spent there is optimum return will have by default a positive effect on sustainability.

check article source – https://innovationorigins.com/en/this-is-how-we-unravel-the-secret-life-of-plants/

Article written and compiled by Stefan Vogrincic

All Article’s checked and edited by Marie Vogrincic

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