strategy to plants. Like its main food source, the cabbage aphid compartmentalizes its native myrosinase and the glucosinolates it ingests. When the cabbage aphid is attacked and its tissues are damaged, its stored glucosinolates are activated, producing isothiocyanates and deterring predators from attacking other aphids. Historical relevance and modern applications Agriculture Historically, crops like rapeseed that contained the glucosinolate-myrosinase system were deliberately bred to minimize glucosinolate content, since rapeseed in animal feed was proving toxic to livestock. The glucosinolate-myrosinase system has been investigated as a possible biofumigant to protect crops against pests. The potent glucosinolate hydrolysis products (GHPs) could be sprayed onto crops to deter herbivory. Another option would be to use techniques in genetic engineering to introduce the glucosinolate-myrosinase system in crops as a means of fortifying their resistance against pests. Health effects Isothiocyanates, the primary product of glucosinolate hydrolysis, have been known to prevent iodine uptake in the thyroid, causing goiters. Isothiocyanates in high concentrations may cause hepatotoxicity. There is insufficient scientific evidence that consuming cruciferous vegetables with increased intake of isothiocyanates affects the risk of human diseases. References EC 3.2.1