Plants do not have mouths, but they are remarkable communicators.
They send and receive messages through the air, the soil, and even within their own cells. Their entire survival depends on being able to sense their surroundings and respond accordingly. 

One of the most fascinating examples of plant communication involves the release of volatile molecules such as salicylic acid. When a plant is attacked by a pest or pathogen, it can emit salicylic acid into the air. Neighboring plants detect this signal and activate their own defense responses, preparing for a potential threat. This is a form of warning system, a chemical conversation happening quietly above ground. What looks like a silent forest is, in reality, a community exchanging information in real time. 

Inside the plant, communication continues in even more intricate ways. RNAs and other molecules act as internal messengers that help coordinate growth, defense, and adaptation. In my research, I study how some of these RNAs are secreted to the outside of plant cells and how they can influence the bacterial communities that live on leaves. These microbial partners form part of the plant’s natural microbiome and can support growth or help protect against diseases. By shaping which microbes thrive, these RNA messages may be helping plants build healthier and more resilient communities on their own surfaces. 

To me, this invisible exchange of information reveals something profound about how life stays connected. Plants are not isolated organisms competing for survival, but active participants in a larger web of relationships. They share resources, send alerts, and respond collectively to challenges. 

Understanding this complex communication network is not only fascinating from a scientific perspective, it also reminds us of the power of connection and cooperation. Just like plants, our own systems of communication can help us grow stronger together when they are built on attentiveness, reciprocity, and care.