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Cake day: July 31st, 2024

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  • It’s pretty well known that plants don’t just passively endure damage—they communicate chemically with each other through the air or root systems.

    Here are two examples:

    Acacia Trees

    When attacked, the tree releases ethylene gas into the air. Nearby acacia trees detect this gas and respond by increasing tannin production in their leaves, making them bitter and potentially toxic to herbivores. This chemical warning system helps protect not just one tree, but others nearby as well.

    Tomato Plants

    When attacked by pests like caterpillars, tomato plants release VOCs (such as methyl jasmonate). Nearby tomato plants “smell” this and preemptively activate their own defenses, such as producing chemicals that deter insects or attract predatory wasps.