Plants have always been considered as silent entities, but recent research has suggested otherwise. A study conducted by a team of researchers from Tel Aviv University has found that plants can emit ultrasonic sounds when they are under stress. The study has raised the possibility that plants have a more complex communication system than previously thought.
The researchers observed tomato and tobacco plants placed under stress, and found that they emitted ultrasonic sounds when they are cut or dehydrated inside a greenhouse and that could be detected by microphones placed near the plants. The sounds, which are often described as "cries" or "screams," are believed to be the plants' way of communicating
Although the sounds produced by plants may not be audible to humans, they are likely detectable by various animals such as insects, bats, and mice.