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Dryad

Recorded plant sounds from: Sounds emitted by plants under stress are airborne and informative

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Apr 03, 2023 version files 10 MB

Abstract

Stressed plants show altered phenotypes, including changes in color, smell, and shape. Yet, airborne sounds emitted by stressed plants have not been investigated before. Here we show that stressed plants emit airborne sounds that can be recorded from a distance and classified. We recorded ultrasonic sounds emitted by tomato and tobacco plants inside an acoustic chamber, and in a greenhouse, while monitoring the plant’s physiological parameters. We developed machine learning models that succeeded in identifying the condition of the plants, including dehydration level and injury, based solely on the emitted sounds. These informative sounds may also be detectable by other organisms. This work opens new avenues for understanding plants and their interactions with the environment and may have a significant impact on agriculture.