However, there is need to extend the reach to phytotoxins which currently aren’t been exhaustively studied. Security services need to be made aware of the potential dangers that they can pose and the challenges in their remediation. In this way, it will be much easier for scientists, working alongside security service guidelines and policy, to develop appropriate remedial interventions.
2.4.7 Agricultural
The accumulation of NHST phytotoxins in some plants may be dangerous to other plants [1]. This can be useful in selectively and strategically growing these plants to protect intended plants from invasive weeds. However, this can only be done if the intended plant–weed relationship has been studied and is well understood. If need be, biotechnology approaches to customize the relationship can be introduced. Some phytotoxins have already been reported to be significant in the management of weeds in farming [29].
2.5 Brief Mechanisms of Action
Phytotoxins have various mechanistic activities on the physiological processes of the organisms they are affecting. These include, but are not limited to, lipid biosynthesis (cyperine: Ascochyta cypericola), energy production (tentoxin: Alternaria spp.), the polymerization of actin (cytochalasins: many fungal species), and reactive oxygen species production (cercosporin: Cercospora spp.) [1]. Generally, their mechanism of action is to interact with body cells and possibly cause slow degeneration or other long‐lasting complications. Interventions against such adverse mechanisms involve blocking the mechanistic processes or introducing entirely new agents, such as known drugs, to undo or redirect the mechanisms.
2.6 Conclusion
Phytotoxins are a very significant group of compounds in all sectors of society, including health, security, agriculture, and drug discovery, among others. Although many studies have been carried out, it is imperative to consider the categorization of these compounds in terms of their sources, mechanisms of action, hazards, and their benefits. In this way, there will be a very important multidisciplinary contribution to science in a way that is more meaningful to the general public.
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