Do plants have some type of neuronal system which resembles that which underlies the behaviour of animals? Conversely, if plants turn out to be ‘brain-less’, then the question will emerge where and how do they store and process the information which they obtain about both the abiotic and biotic environments, and how do they then use this information to optimize their future behaviour? Do plants feel (as suggested by Aristotle) and experience pain? Further: Do plants hear, and can they perceive odours? The truth is that we do not know, although their extreme sensitivity to mechanical vibrations indicates that they can perceive voices and their responses to volatile gases suggest they have a type of olfactory response. Importantly, our lack of knowledge should not justify claims that plants do not possess these abilities and properties. In fact, their complex, rational, and surely intelligent behaviour suggests just the opposite. This is why we should be more sensitive to these issues and should commence a serious enquiry into these urgent questions, utilizing minds trained in the ‘scientific method’ but which can also clearly differentiate between speculation and hypothesis (Huszagh and Infante 1989).
Finally, is it by chance that the Greek word ‘neuron’ refers to vegetable fibre? In fact, this happy and synchronistic coincidence might be taken to signify that the term plant neurobiology is fully justified! This book brings together all these new plant neuronal aspects and combines them with the classical plant electrophysiology. Plant neurobiology is commencing its emergence as a coherent science.
