Short Wave Micro Wave: Does Talking To Plants Help Them Grow?
Oct 9, 2020
Environmental scientist Heidi Appel discusses how plants detect sound, raising the intriguing question of whether talking to them can aid their growth. The podcast examines plant communication, revealing that plants may respond to vibrations, such as caterpillar chewing, to boost their defenses. There's a humorous debate on the benefits of human conversation for plant care, highlighting the emotional connections we share with our green friends and their vital role in our ecosystem.
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Plant Talk Debate
- Amy talks to her plants daily, believing it helps them grow.
- Amanda disagrees, blaming Amy's negativity for their cilantro's demise.
Plant Senses
- Plants can detect sound, not just light, smell, and taste, through mechanoreception.
- This sense allows them to perceive pressure and vibrations, crucial for environmental awareness.
Selective Plant Response
- Plants respond to caterpillar chewing vibrations by releasing defense chemicals.
- However, they don't react to non-threatening vibrations like wind, showcasing selective responding.