The Chonkerton

Plants under attack leave behind a surprising call for backup

science

Bacteria in the soil may be helping plants defend themselves by creating a memory of previous pest attacks. As Science News tells it, these bacteria can coax new plants to attract wasps that help rein in destructive herbivores. This process suggests a complex communication network between soil microbes and plant life to manage pests.

Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/plants-backup-wasp-he...

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