Definition
phytotoxins
noun
- Poisonous or toxic substances produced by plants that can harm other organisms, including insects, animals, or competing plants.
Usage: plural form; used in botany, ecology, and toxicology; often discussed in the context of plant defense mechanisms
Examples
- Many plants produce phytotoxins to protect themselves from herbivores.
- The phytotoxins in certain mushrooms can cause serious illness if ingested.
- Researchers study phytotoxins to understand how plants defend against pests.
- Some crops naturally contain phytotoxins that must be removed before consumption.
- The leaves of the oleander plant contain powerful phytotoxins.
- Phytotoxins play an important role in plant ecology and chemical defense.