In this research, the scientists found that the gallic acid released by Phragmites is degraded by ultraviolet light to produce another toxin, mesoxalic acid, effectively hitting susceptible plants and seedlings with a double-whammy.
According to Bais, the mesoxalic acid triggers a similar "cellular death cascade" in victim plants as gallic acid does, destroying the tubulin and actin, the structural protein in the roots, within minutes of exposure.
The scientific team detected the biological concentrations of mesoxalic acid in Delaware wetlands, in stands of both exotic and native Phragmites australis.