Sometimes plants react as if they close or open their leaves when touched, have you ever wondered why? That is it 30 years of genetic mystery finally solved† touching plants can cause stress reactions In fact, it has been known for a long time, but researchers’ studies to explain the reason for this reaction have been inconclusive.

Researchers from the Swedish University of Lund showed in their experiments that plants were sensitive to mechanical stimuli such as touch. they found genetic codes that explain how it reacts so strongly† So how can solving this mystery and cracking the genetic codes benefit us?

In this way it can be ensured that plants flower and bear fruit much faster.

Unlike humans, plants cannot feel pain, but they react strongly to mechanical stimuli such as human touch, animal touch, wind and rain. These external factors lead to a rapid activation of the plant’s molecular defense system, making plants more resistant and causes it to bloom later.

Although this event has been known since Darwin, there are still many questions about the subject. A recent article published in the journal Science Advances (the above research), studied the complex regulatory networks that influence how plant defenses are enhanced by external influences, and revealed their genetic code.

Researchers from Lund University in Sweden say: “We stimulated plant cherry with gentle brushstrokes, then thousands of genes were activated and stress hormones were released. Then we used genetic screening to find the genes responsible for this process. Our results solved a scientific mystery that had been the molecular biologists of the world.” eluded for 30 years.

We have identified an entirely new signaling pathway that controls a plant’s response to physical contact and touch. “Given the extremely volatile weather conditions and pathogenic infections caused by climate change, it is critical to find new ways to increase crop productivity and resilience to maintain ecological balance.”

In the future, if researchers can crack this code and reverse the defensive effect, to provide higher yields and improved stress resistance in crops. can help, which is arguably one of the most powerful countermeasures against famine. What do you think? Please don’t forget to share your thoughts with us in the comments.