What is "fusicoccin"

n. (context organic compound English) A plant toxin produced by a fungus of the genus ''Fusicoccum''

Fusicoccin is an organic compound produced by a fungus. It has detrimental effect on plants and causes their death.

Fusicoccin is synthesized by the fungus Fusicoccum amygdali, which is a parasite of mainly almond and peach trees. It stimulates a quick acidification of the plant cell wall; this causes the stomata to irreversibly open, which brings about the death of the plant.

Fusicoccin contains three fused carbon rings and another ring which contains an oxygen atom and five carbons.

Fusicoccin was and is extensively used in research regarding the plant hormone auxin and its mechanisms.