Ortho-phthalic esters are a new group of secondary plant metabolites. The physiological function of these compounds is unknown. The results of studies of the biological activity of phthalates suggest that one of their functions is protection against phytopathogens. It has been shown that there is a sharp increase in the content of diethylhexyl phthalate at the initial stages of germination of wheat seeds (Triticum aestivum L.). The role of this compound in protecting plants from phytopathogens is discussed.
Enikeev et al. (Sun,) studied this question.