Alternaria alternata was found to release certain low-molecular weight host-specific toxins (HSTs) such as tenuazonic acid, tentoxin and zinniol . These toxins not only damage plant cell membranes but also cause permeability changes in the cell wall, that may contribute to plant browning and death .
The fungus Alternaria alternata releases specific toxins called host-specific toxins (HSTs), including tenuazonic acid, tentoxin, and zinniol, which harm plant cells by damaging their membranes and altering the cell wall's permeability, ultimately causing browning and death of the plant.