Plants ‘TALK’ to each other: Roots inspire neighbours to grow through a series of underground signals

Plants inspire neighbours to grow through a series of underground signals, a new study has revealed.

Researchers found that corn seedlings exchange messages with nearby plants via chemical signals fired into the soil from their roots.

These potent secretions tell the seedlings whether their neighbours are relatives or strangers and help them direct their growth accordingly.

Plants grow their roots towards quieter regions of soil to avoid competition and bolster the size of their leaves when in a busy patch to ensure they collect enough sunlight in their crowded surroundings.