Is this true?

[Leafmite]

Discussion is a good way of learning.

I am always doubtful about declarations of new discoveries when there are not enough trials (that follow the scientific method and eliminate other factors) to prove beyond doubt a 'conclusion. 'Science news' that is not peer reviewed or proved with other trials should be taken with a grain of salt.

It has been discovered that plants use chemicals to communicate, to deter pests, attract pollinators, and even to close parts of themselves around insects (CP's). A few have been observed to kill competitors with chemicals (nothing grows around them...consistently).

When it is beneficial to the plant to eliminate competition, there are more effective ways to do this...growing faster and putting out a thick canopy, quickly sending out plenty of offsets, seeds, root growth, having roots that drain and store all the possible water/nutrients, etc. Plants that are alone are more likely to be eaten by something (especially tender, young plants) so it is to their benefit to survival to use one of these other methods so that they are big enough to survive an attack when they are alone instead of wasting energy on chemical warfare.