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.

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