If you’ve enjoyed the smell of fresh cut grass, you may have unwittingly eavesdropped on a conversation between plants.
The smell is caused by a group of compounds called green leaf volatiles (GLVs) that a plant releases into the air when it is injured. Although it can be a very pleasant smell to humans, to other plants it may be a warning letting them know that danger is near.
Scientists have known for some time that plants can eavesdrop on damage to other plants nearby. Doing so can benefit a plant, which can take steps to defend itself. Scientists are considering harnessing this process to fight agricultural pests without having to use pesticides – although exactly how plants detect danger and protect themselves remains unknown.
