1. 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.