Tuning into plant ultrasonics

Abstract

Plant ultrasonic acoustic emissions (UAEs) are low-intensity sound signals that arise primarily from physiological processes associated with transpiration-driven water transport. By monitoring these emissions, researchers and farmers can detect physiological changes related to water/drought stress, heat stress, or disease, allowing timely interventions and optimized resource management. However, substantial variability in UAEs across plant species and environmental conditions, together with limited detection sensitivity and a lack of standardized measurement protocols, present significant challenges for robust interpretation and large scale deployment. Recent advancements in portable sensor technologies and network integration, supported by collaborations between crop physiologists, engineers, and data scientists, aim to address some of these challenges. Standardization efforts and more robust methodologies for data collection and analysis are emerging, alongside innovative applications in precision agriculture. These developments promise to boost crop yields, enhance sustainability, and increase resilience to environmental stressors. In this perspective article, we review the current state of plant acoustics research,critically assess available sensing and analytical approaches, and discuss both their opportunities and limitations. We further argue that targeted research into the biological interpretation of UAEs’ including their potential roles in plant-to-plant and plant–animal interactions, in natural ecosystems as well as in controlled environments like greenhouses and vertical farms, is crucial. Within a smart farming toolkit, plant acoustics may become a complementary tool for applications in agriculture, forestry, plant breeding, and conservation, provided that integration across sensing, data analytics, and agronomic decision-making is achieved.