Zearalenone is primarily used in agricultural research to study its effects on livestock and crops, particularly its impact as a mycotoxin. It is often employed in experiments to understand how it disrupts reproductive functions in animals, especially pigs and cattle, due to its estrogenic properties. Researchers also use it to develop and test methods for detoxifying contaminated feed and to assess the effectiveness of various mycotoxin binders. In the field of plant pathology, zearalenone is studied to explore its role in fungal infections and to develop strategies for preventing Fusarium species from producing this toxin in grains like corn, wheat, and barley. Additionally, it is utilized in toxicology studies to evaluate its potential health risks to humans and animals, contributing to the establishment of safety guidelines and regulatory limits for food and feed.