Plants are of great importance for us, they produce the oxygen we breathe and are the most important food source for humans. Compared to humans, plants look and behave very differently. However, they have one surprising thing in common: they can feel touch! Indeed, even though plants have no nervous system they can feel forces, respond to forces and even generate forces! The ability to generate forces is vital for plant growth. For instance, when plants grow their roots, they have to push the soil away, and some plants can even break through solid asphalt.

Being able to sense forces allows the plants to generate their own forces in the right place and time. For instance, when plants are attacked by pathogens, sensing forces can act as a mechanical alarm system that then activates plant defenses! Exactly how plants perceive and generate these forces remains largely unknown, but here at the Wageningen University, we are trying to solve this complex puzzle. Are you curious to learn how we use 3D-printing, lasers, microscopes microfluidics, chemistry and  simulations to study how and why plants feel and generate forces? Then don’t hesitate and join our event!