Fig. 156.—Record of responses to electric wave by the Balanced Crescograph (a) response to feeble stimulus by acceleration of growth, (b) response to strong stimulus by retardation, (c) responses to medium stimulation—retardation followed by recovery. Down-curve represents acceleration, and up-curve retardation of growth: (Seedling of wheat.)
Effect of strong stimulus: Experiment 162.—The maximum energy radiated by my transmitter, as stated before, was only moderate. In spite of this its effect on plants was exhibited in a very striking manner. The balance was immediately upset, indicating a retardation of the rate of growth. The latent period, i.e., the interval between the incident wave and the response, was only a few seconds (Fig. 156b). The record given in the figure was obtained with the moderate magnification of 2,000 times only. But with my Magnetic Crescograph, the magnification can easily be raised ten million times; and the response of plant to the space signalling can be exalted in the same proportion.
Under an intensity of stimulus slightly above the sub-minimal, the responses exhibit retardation of growth followed by quick recovery, as seen in the series of records given in Fig. 156c.
A remarkable peculiarity in the response was noticed during the course of the experiments. Strong stimulation by ether waves gives rise, as we have seen, to a very marked retardation of the rate of growth. Repeated stimulation induces fatigue, and temporary insensitiveness of the organ. Under moderate fatigue the effect is a prolongation of the latent period. Thus in a particular experiment the plant failed to give any response to a short signal. But after an interval of five minutes a marked response occurred to the wireless stimulus that had been received previously. The plant had perceived the stimulus but on account of fatigue the latent period was prolonged, from the normal 5 seconds to as many minutes.
SUMMARY.
Plants not only perceive, but also respond to long ether waves employed in signalling through space.
Mechanical response to wireless stimulation is exhibited by the leaf of Mimosa pudica.
All plants give electric response to the stimulus of long ether waves.
Growing plants exhibit response to electric waves by modification of rate of growth. Feeble stimulus induces an acceleration, while strong stimulus causes a retardation of the rate of growth.
The perceptive range of the plant is far greater than ours; it not only perceives but responds to the different rays of the vast ethereal spectrum.