While it produces several phytotoxins, the most prevalent in the disease cycle is brefeldin A. Brefeldin A is capable of inhibiting phytoalexin synthesis used in the safflower’s chemical defense against pathogens.
The pathogenic agent produces a range of toxic compounds, but one that has a significant impact on the disease cycle is brefeldin A. Brefeldin A prevents the production of phytoalexins in safflower, which are chemicals that help protect the plant from pathogens.