An electronic nose sniffs out unique chemicals that plants emit when attacked by pests.

A new study provides strong evidence that fruits harm predators with the same chemicals that, for example, give chili peppers their spice.

Pathogens hitchhike on commercial bees that escape from greenhouses. These escapees bring disease to wild bumblebees.

The parasitic vine known as dodder really sucks. It pierces the tissue of other plants — some of which are important crops — extracting water and nutrients needed for its own growth. But it also consumes molecules that scientists could manipulate to bring on the parasite’s demise.

Parasites are small but have a big impact. An estuary study reveals that these little annoyances add up to a lot of biomass.

The discovery of Tahitian vanilla’s heritage could set off a custody battle between nations.

Nonnative earthworms are deliberately burying ragweed seeds, enhancing the weed’s growth, researchers report.

Zipcode-organized guidelines tell gardeners, farmers and others how to design a landscape that will not only entice pollinators but also keep these horticultural helpers happy.

Climate change may have dire consequences for California’s native plants, which may need to take refuge in some the areas under pressure for development.

The Arctic tundra is under assault from trees, with serious implications for global climate change.

The orchid that gives us vanilla beans has startlingly low genetic diversity, suggesting crops might be susceptible to pathogens, researchers report.

Date palm pit found at Masada sprouts at age 2,000, becoming the oldest known seed to germinate.

Leaves mostly keep their cool (or warmth) wherever they live, a finding that might affect reconstructions of past climates.