The Internet of Plants: Re-Imagining Plant Signalling Networks Through an Information-and-Communication Theory Lens
Abstract1,3, and Plants are dynamic, responsive systems capable of perceiving, integrating, and transmitting information across multiple scales, from molecular pathways within cells to complex interactions at the community level. Emerging evidence demonstrates that plants employ diverse signalling modalities, including electrical, chemical, hydraulic, and volatile signals, which operate simultaneously and synergistically to coordinate behaviour. Inspired by advances in network science and information theory, this mini-review proposes a conceptual framework for understanding plant signalling as a distributed, multi-layered communication network: an “Internet of Plants.” We discuss the potential of applying information and communication theory (ICT) metrics to quantify signal generation, transmission, fidelity, and network efficiency. This mini- review highlights new research avenues in integrative plant biology, including predictive modelling of signal flow, the role of environmental noise, and the functional implications of inter-plant networks mediated by mycorrhizae and volatiles. By framing plant signalling through an ICT lens, we aim to unify molecular, organ-level, and ecological studies into a cohesive theoretical framework that can guide future experimental and computational research. By turning a popular metaphor into a quantitative, falsifiable program, this mini-review connects molecular signalling with whole-plant physiology and community dynamics, enabling cross-species comparisons and reproducible benchmarks.