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High speed colour video showing the ejection of seeds by the squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium). The video is captured at 10,000 fps, and so is slowed down 400 times. Credit: Dominic Vella
25
November
2024
|
20:00
Europe/London

Manchester scientists unlock 青瓜视频榚xplosive青瓜视频� secrets of the squirting cucumber

Scientists from the University of Manchester have uncovered the secrets behind one of nature青瓜视频檚 quirkiest plants - the squirting cucumber.

While most plants rely on external forces such as animals, wind, or water to spread their seeds, this cucumber 青瓜视频� scientifically known as Ecballium elaterium - launches them at high speed in a pressurised jet, sending seeds over 10 metres from the parent plant.

The fruit has long intrigued scientists for its dramatic seed dispersal method, but the exact mechanism and its benefits were poorly understood.

The new research, published in the journal , uses high-speed videography, image analysis, lab experiments and mathematical modelling to examine each phase of the ejection process.

They found that as the cucumber ripens, fluid from the fruit is squeezed into the stem, causing it to stiffen and straighten, and changing the inclination of the fruit so that it is better suited for launching seeds over long distances. The internal pressure in the fruit is so high that, once it detaches from the stem, the fluid and seeds within the shell are explosively launched in a powerful jet.

The finding has important implications for understanding the plant青瓜视频檚 population dynamics and offers insights into evolutionary adaptations related to explosive fruit mechanisms. Its seed dispersal strategy could also inspire new technologies.

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Results of a computed tomography (CT) scan showing the interior organisation of the seeds within the fruit of the squirting cucumber. Credit: Elizabeth Evans

Lead researcher Finn Box from The University of Manchester, said: 青瓜视频淪eed dispersal is incredibly important for plant survival and population, and we see a wide range of dispersal strategies across the plant kingdom, each adapted to different ecological needs.

青瓜视频淭his research is the first comprehensive mechanical explanation for how the cucumber plant launches its seeds with remarkable speed and precision 青瓜视频� a process almost unheard of in the plant world.

青瓜视频淭he explosive launch of the cucumber plant has evolved over generations to help it survive. The way that the stem is able to re-position itself to the perfect angle and build enough pressure to maximise spread has been key to help regulate the plant青瓜视频檚 population. These mechanisms allow the plant to disperse seeds over a wide area and reduce overcrowding and competition among offspring and other neighbouring plants, ensuring a better chance of survival for the next generation.青瓜视频�

The research could also help scientists better understand how plants might adapt to environmental changes such as temperature, rainfall patterns and soil conditions due to climate change. Effective seed dispersal plays a critical role in this adaptation as it allows them to move on and colonise new, more stable environments.

It is also thought that understanding the mechanics of explosive seed dispersal could inspire new technologies, such as smart medical devices that can eject drugs on demand and thereby increase the concentration of medication at target sites within the body.

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