Trees recognize relatives

Plants can know when they are planted with pots or brothers. When there are strangers living together, they will develop competitive traits, but for them, they seem to be kinder.

"The ability to recognize and defend relatives is common in animals, but this is the first time it's seen in plants," said Susan Dudley at McMaster University in Canada. He observed the behavior of a mustard plant ( Cakile edentula ) in North America.

After the tree is planted in the pot, the roots will spread to attract water and nutrients. But when some of the same species are planted together, the situation will become more intense. Each tree tries to reach its roots as far as possible to steal all food. But in the case of those siblings being siblings together, having the same mother - then they rely on each other and give each other their own space to take root.

Because the interaction only occurs when the trees are grown together and the root space is limited, it is possible that the root is the focal point that helps the plant recognize relatives.

"For a long time gardeners have known that some plants live together more harmoniously than others, now scientists have explained why," Dudley said.

MT