José Manuel Vaquero
Professor of Earth Physics at the University of Extremadura
As a researcher in the field of terrestrial-solar physics, I am greatly surprised that an eclipse is attributed with such a profound impact on trees located under light conditions well above photosynthetic saturation. A partial eclipse of small magnitude, such as the one recorded in the previous study by Chiolerio et al. (2025), generates minor environmental variations compared to those produced by the passage of a dense cloud or a weather front.
The work published by Novoplansky and Yizhaq in the journal Trends in Plant Science fulfils a crucial objective: to dismantle narratives that are appealing but methodologically weak. Research on plant behaviour needs quality control because, as we have seen, it is a field susceptible to excessive interpretations, anthropomorphic analogies, or reckless use of concepts. This article brings order, reminding us that correlation does not imply causation.
From the point of view of scientific communication, it is essential to prevent highly suggestive stories for the general public, such as trees “warning” each other of an eclipse, from obscuring the need for solid evidence. The media attention received by the study of these eclipse-sensitive trees shows that spectacular stories can spread without critical analysis. And this is very dangerous.
Finally, this study invites reflection on the need for reproducible experiments, with strict environmental controls and adequate consideration of alternative explanations such as storms, temperature drops or lightning. The science of eclipses, which historically has been a natural laboratory of extreme precision, cannot afford unfounded speculative interpretations that will ultimately undermine society's interest in science in the medium term.