XVI International Botanical Congess
Herbivore damage to plants often induces them to produce chemicals that deter further herbivory. We asked whether herbivore damage to one ramet of a clonal plant can induce effective defenses in connected, unattacked ramets. Ramets of Fragaria chiloensis (beach strawberry) were mechanically injured or infected with Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mites). Phenol concentrations, mite performance, and plant performance were measured in connected ramets. Mechanical injury of ramets increased phenol levels in connected, uninjured ramets. Infection of ramets with mites reduced mite growth on connected , subsequently infected ramets. We conclude that ramets can indeed talk (transmit information), or at least listen to other ramets (perceive information).