Cucurbits developed the unique extrafascicular phloem (EFP) as a defensive structure against herbivorous animals. (Konno 2011 Gaupels and Ghirardo 2013 Exudates from the EFP contain toxic cucurbitacin steroids alkaloids and terpenoids as a preformed barrier against invaders (Konno 2011 Moreover metabolomic and proteomic approaches revealed that leaf damage triggered SWR in the EFP of (pumpkin)… Continue reading Cucurbits developed the unique extrafascicular phloem (EFP) as a defensive structure