Insects Use Plants Like A Telephone - “OCCUPIED!” This is the signal sent from subterranean root-eating insects to aboveground insect surveyors, according to a study done at the Netherlands Institute for Ecology. The signal is transmitted through the vascular tissue of the occupied plant and released by the leaves. It is believed this signaling system evolved to discourage competition between subterranean and aboveground insect herbivores. 

Plants Text Message Farmers When Thirsty - In other plant communication news, a firm called Accent Engineering, Inc. has developed a drought monitoring service called SmartCropTM, which alerts farmers on their cell phones when their crops are in danger of dehydration. During the long, hot summer months, infrared detectors assess the leaf temperature over time and signal when the fields need watering, allowing farmers to adjust irrigation as necessary.  Now we just need a version for house plants.

Scientist rediscovers rare plant unseen since 1985 - The rare parasitic plant won’t win any beauty contests and won’t appear on your dinner table any time soon. The plant, which is native to Mexico, steals food from other plants instead of making its own. The plant, called “little hermit”, is so unusual it has been categorized into its own genus. Despite its recent find, this ‘hermit’ may not be around for long. It’s at risk of extinction from logging in the area.

Biofuels
Food scientists say stop biofuels to fight world hunger

Agriculture
Ancient Sunflower Fuels Debate About Agriculture In The Americas

Basic Research
Scientists to capture DNA of trees worldwide for database

Medicinal Plants
Nitric Oxide Regulates Plants as Well as People

Dr. Mom Was Right — And Wrong — About Washing Fruits And Vegetables - Most people wash their fruits and vegetables before eating them, but it turns out that simple washing may not be enough. Microbes can wedge into the nooks and crannies of fruits and vegetables where soaps can’t reach. A USDA study shows that irradiation may be a more reliable way of killing the potentially harmful microbes. The FDA is reviewing these findings.

Sudden Oak Death Pathogen is Evolving, Says New Study that Reconstructs the Epidemic - Researchers from the University of California in Berkeley have reconstructed the beginnings of the state’s Sudden Oak Death epidemic that is currently spreading through millions of oak trees. Scientists have shown that the
devastating plant pathogen is evolving, which raises concerns about the future of oak trees (and possibly all trees) in California. By studying the pathogen’s genetic makeup, researchers are narrowing in on a possible source of the Sudden Oak Death, which is likely a nursery that was shut down earlier due to infestation. Published in Molecular Ecology.

Scientists Obtain Anticancer Medicines from the Elecampe, A Wild Plant Growing in the Mediterranean - Researchers from the University of Granada have made huge steps in migraine and cancer research. The group has discovered that the plant
Dittirichia viscose (more commonly known as elecampe) can be used to inhibit migraines. The researchers also discovered compound that prevents the growth and metastasis of brain and lung cancers.