Biology Corn plants send SOS signals to neighbors in case of pest infestation
Corn plants communicate with each other in densely planted fields. If they are attacked by herbivores or pests, they send SOS signals to their neighbors via the gas linalool, according to a new study.
14.08.2025, 20:00
SDA
The roots of the neighboring plants respond by releasing certain compounds - known as benzoxazinoids - into the soil. These change the bacterial composition of the soil. In this way, the plants can better protect themselves against the increased risk of pest infestation in dense plant populations, as a study published on Thursday in the journal "Science" shows. However, this also slows down plant growth.
According to the researchers, this result could show agriculture new ways of increasing yields more sustainably - for example through adapted planting patterns or the targeted promotion of linalool production.
Experiments in China
The research team led by Dongsheng Guo from China's Zhejiang University showed exactly how this process works by conducting experiments on maize fields in China with different planting densities. Matthias Erb from the University of Bern was part of the research team.
During the experiments, the scientists discovered that as soon as the linalool concentration in the air exceeds a certain threshold, which depends on the plant density, the plants produce hormones of the jasmonate group and other signaling substances in their roots. These trigger the release of benzoxazinoids, which in turn change the soil microbiome.
