Cercosporin is primarily utilized in agricultural research due to its phytotoxic properties. It serves as a model compound for studying plant-pathogen interactions, particularly in understanding how certain fungi cause diseases in crops. Researchers use it to investigate the mechanisms of photoactivated toxins and their impact on plant cells, aiding in the development of strategies to combat fungal infections. Additionally, cercosporin is employed in photodynamic therapy research, where its ability to generate reactive oxygen species under light exposure is explored for potential applications in targeting and destroying harmful cells, such as cancer cells or microbial pathogens. Its role in these fields highlights its significance in both agricultural science and biomedical research.