Tomato plants send chemical warnings to neighboring plants when they are under attack.

Research published in journals like 'Nature Communications' and studies conducted at institutions like the University of Missouri have confirmed that plants communicate through volatile organic compounds (VOCs). When a tomato plant (Solanum lycopersicum) is damaged by herbivores like hornworms, it releases specific green leaf volatiles. These chemicals act as an airborne distress signal that travels to neighboring plants within a few meters.Once the neighboring plants detect these signals, they undergo a process called 'priming.' This means they do not just wait for the attack but actively begin synthesizing protease inhibitors. These specific proteins disrupt the digestive enzymes of insects, making the plant's leaves bitter and difficult for the pests to digest. This chemical defense can significantly reduce the growth rate and survival of the invading larvae.This phenomenon is often referred to as 'talking trees' or plant signaling. Beyond airborne signals, plants also communicate through underground fungal networks known as mycorrhizal fungi. These 'Wood Wide Webs' allow plants to share nutrients and warning signals through their root systems. This complex survival strategy ensures that a localized pest outbreak does not easily destroy an entire ecosystem or crop field.