BOTANY WITH BASICS OF HYDROBOTANY (AQUATIC PLANTS OF UKRAINE) - B.Ye. Yakubenko - 2011

IV. PLANT ANATOMY AND MORPHOLOGY

Secondary Plant Metabolites

Phytoncides

Organic compounds produced by higher plant Cells that inhibit the growth of microorganisms or destroy them completely are known as phytoncides. This group of substances was discovered by B. Tokin in 1928. Well-known phytoncides include allicins found in garlic and onions. Phytoncides from radish, garlic, onion, horseradish, pine, spruce, lemon, and yarrow are widely used to treat respiratory infections and suppurative wounds, as well as to prevent Influenza and gastrointestinal disorders. These substances protect higher plants from microbial infections. For instance, rye secretes benzoxazolinone, which defends it against infection by the fungus Fusarium, while peas produce pisatin, which also exerts a lethal effect on various Fungi responsible for fungal diseases.



Last update: 07/08/2026

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