Plants are even craftier than we knew when it comes to self-defense, with one plant literally summoning parasitic wasps to kill off other insects eating its leaves.
Scientists in China studied how the cowpea plant ( Vigna unguiculata ) defends itself against a particular leaf-eating intruder. They found evidence the plant not only emits airborne chemicals that attracts a common parasite of the insect, it releases other chemicals into the soil through its roots that make it easier for future generations to use the same strategy. The team’s work showcases a previously unknown tactic of plant pest removal, the researchers say.
“Our findings…
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