Solanaceae Research Articles

Morpho-anatomy of cape gooseberry flowers (Physalis peruviana L.) at various stages of development

As an indigenous remedy for a variety of ailments, cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), a member of the Solanaceae family, has historically contributed significantly to health promotion. The metabolites contained in Physalis fruit have been used traditionally by some Chinese communities to treat and prevent various diseases, such as cancer and hepatitis. Research related to the analysis of secondary metabolites in cape gooseberry fruit has been widely conducted, but studies on the morphology and anatomy of flower development, especially in P. peruviana have not been carried out. This study aimed to examine the morphological and anatomical structure of P. peruviana flowers at various stages of development. The procedures included: collection of flower morphology data, preparation of anatomical slides of flowers using the paraffin embedding method and qualitative analysis. The observation results demonstrate that P. peruviana has a complete and perfect flower, which grows as a single axillary type with 5 sepals, attached to each other and is conventionally green with a purple tinge. The corolla is sticky and yellow, with a purple tinge on the neck. The stamen comprises 5 pale yellow anthers and a purple filament. From the bud initiation to anthesis, the development takes 13 days. The anther has 2 lobes or 2 thecae (dithecous) with four microsporangia (tetrasporangiate). The anther wall consists of 4 layers in stages I-V and 2 layers in stages VI and VII. Isobilateral microspores are of the tetrad type. The ovary comprises 2 carpels, while the ovule is anatropus type and has bitegmic structure. This study detailed the reproductive characteristics of P. peruviana and provided a reference framework for subsequent studies by aligning the floral reproductive development perspective to a phenological scope.

P-971. Chogoria Rounds: A Novel Clinical Reasoning Tool for Residents

Abstract Background Teaching clinical reasoning requires a clinician being able to demonstrate their thought process when approaching a case, and a large volume of case exposure during residency to gain a basis of understanding. Training programs have observed improved application of clinical reasoning skills by internal medicine (IM) residents when a case-based reasoning curriculum is introduced. We present a novel educational tool for IM residents involving a series of case presentations (Chogoria Rounds, CR) from a physician partner in Kenya to general IM and Infectious Disease attendings, along with IM residents at different stages of training. Methods Over an 18-month period, 30 cases were presented virtually, de novo, allowing attendings to discuss their clinical assessment of these cases in real time with the residents in attendance. A survey with Likert scale response (1 strongly disagree, 5 strongly agree) was distributed to residents to assess CR as an effective clinical reasoning teaching tool Results Of the 30 presented cases, 11 were related to tuberculosis (pulmonary, miliary, meningitis), 10 to other infections (severe malaria, leishmaniasis) and other interesting cases such as African night shade ingestion. Thirteen residents were surveyed with 10 respondents. All 10 strongly agreed or agreed that CR was a useful clinical reasoning teaching tool (50% strongly agreed, 50% agreed), and 90% felt it impacted patient care. 80% reported CR drove them to read more about a particular disease process that was discussed. 50% of residents did not feel CR impacted their practice regarding high value care, but 90% felt it generated meaningful discussion surrounding resource utilization. All residents expressed interest in participating in a global medicine experience in the future, and 90% became more interested in global medicine. Conclusion CR showed to be an effective clinical teaching tool for IM residents by giving them insight into clinical reasoning from expert attendings as well as rapid fire case conferences to provide increased volume of exposure.This virtual case conference model can easily be replicated for the benefit of residents and other learners at the US-based institution while at the same time benefiting those at the partnering international institution. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Keiferiaazapaensis sp. nov., the first representative of the New World micromoth genus Keiferia Busck (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) associated with a member of Asteraceae.

The New World micromoth genus Keiferia Busck, 1939 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Gelechiinae, Gnorimoschemini) includes 21 described species, ten of which occur in South America. Like the tomato pinworm, K.lycopersicella (Walsingham, 1897), all the species of Keiferia, whose host plants have been documented, are associated exclusively with members of the family Solanaceae. Keiferiaazapaensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated, based on adults reared from leaf miner larvae collected on the shrub Trixiscacalioides (Kunth) D. Don (Asteraceae) in the Atacama Desert, northern Chile. Despite this unusual host plant, a Maximum Likelihood analysis, based on mitochondrial DNA sequences, placed the new species within a well-supported Keiferia clade. The discovery of the trophic association between K.azapaensis sp. nov. and T.cacalioides represents the first record of a member of Asteraceae as a host plant for the micromoth genus Keiferia.

The 14-3-3 protein CaTFT7 interacts with transcription factor CaHDZ27 to positively regulate pepper immunity against Ralstonia solanacearum

Abstract Bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is a devastating disease affecting plants in the Solanaceae family. In our previous study, CaHDZ27 was shown to act crucially in the pepper defense response to R. solanacearum. However, the molecular basis underlying CaHDZ27 function remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that CaHDZ27 is post-translationally regulated by the 14-3-3 protein CaTFT7, which functions as a positive regulator in pepper immunity against R. solanacearum. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that CaTFT7 is transcriptionally induced by R. solanacearum infection. The data from virus-induced gene silencing revealed that CaTFT7 positively affects pepper immunity, which was further confirmed by the data of CaTFT7-overexpressing Nicotiana benthamiana. CaTFT7 interacted with CaHDZ27, thereby promoting the stability of CaHDZ27 and enhancing CaHDZ27 binding to the promoter of cysteine-rich receptor-like protein kinase 5 (CaCRK5), a gene that positively affects pepper defense against R. solanacearum. The above data indicated that CaTFT7 enhanced CaHDZ27 stability and promoted its ability to activate pepper immunity, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying pepper resistance to bacterial wilt.

The complete chloroplast genome of Solanum melongena ‘Yunqie 9’

Solanum melongena ‘Yunqie 9’ was selected by the Horticultural Research Institute of Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences based on the local environment of Yunnan Province. It is excellent in fruit quality and yield, but it is relatively weak in disease resistance. No information on complete chloroplast genome and position in the phylogeny of Solanum to restrict its genetic improvement. In this study, the chloroplast genome of ‘Yunqie 9’ was sequenced using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. The size of the complete chloroplast genome was 155,579 bp in length with an GC content of 37.70%, composed of a large single-copy region (86,189 bp), a small single-copy region (18,504 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat regions (25,443 bp). A total of 134 coding genes were annotated in the entire chloroplast genome, including 89 protein-coding genes, 37 transfer RNA genes, and 8 ribosomal RNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast genome sequences of 20 species in the Solanaceae family indicated that except for the cultivated Solanum, ’Yunqie 9’ was closely related to Solanum melongena×Solanum torvum and Solanum insanum.

An intron-split microRNA mediates cleavage of the mRNA encoded by low phosphate root in Solanaceae

Main conclusionA microRNA with a non-canonical precursor structure harbours an intron in between its miRNA-5p and miRNA-3p relevant for its biogenesis, is conserved across Solanaceae, and targets the mRNA of low phosphate root.Hundreds of miRNAs have been identified in plants and great advances have been accomplished in the understanding of plant miRNA biogenesis, mechanisms and functions. Still, many miRNAs, particularly those with less conventional features, remain to be discovered. Likewise, additional layers of regulation from miRNA generation to action and turnover are still being revealed. The current study describes a microRNA not previously identified given its unusual intron-split stem-loop structure, that has been previously observed only within the monocot-specific miRNA444 family. It shows its conservation across a branch of Solanales including agriculturally relevant Solanaceae family, where its transcripts had already been predicted in several species within sequence databases. The miRNA is absent in Arabidopsis thaliana but present in Solanum lycopersicum, Nicotiana benthamiana, Petunia axillaris, and Ipomoea nil. It proves that at least two different pri-miRNA variants are produced from this miRNA gene, one spliced and the other one retaining the intron. It demonstrates the dual function of its intron in the miRNA biogenesis. On the one hand, its presence in the pri-miRNA positively influences mature miRNA accumulation, but on the other hand, it needs to be removed from the pri-miRNA for efficient mature miRNA production. Finally, it sets low phosphate root as one of its targets, a protein known to be involved in root growth regulation under phosphate starvation in other plant species.

Phytochelatins: Advances in Tomato Research

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), which is considered one of the more important and widely cultivated crop members of the family Solanaceae, exhibits numerous biochemical mechanisms to alleviate the stress produced by various biotic and abiotic factors. Many researchers have found that phytochelatins (PCs) play an important role in these stress-alleviating mechanisms and, therefore, contribute significantly to the plant’s coping strategies, particularly under heavy metal exposure. Ongoing research has extensively investigated tomato genotypes in plant stress research, with a particular focus on heavy metal stress. The production of PCs, synthesized from glutathione, is regulated by various factors and different stressors. Here, we aim to provide an overview of the panorama regarding the synthesis of PCs in tomato under different environmental conditions and experimental settings, as well as provide information on their broader roles in biotechnology and modulating plant tolerance and responses across diverse stress conditions and treatments within the context of tomato research.

ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ВЛИЯНИЯ ВЫХОДА ИЗОТИОЦИАНАТОВ ИЗ КОМПЛЕКСОВ НА ОСНОВЕ БЕНТОНИТА НА МИКРОБИОТУ ЛЕСНОЙ ПОЧВЫ

Isothiocyanates (ITCs) are substances formed in the result of hydrolysis of glucosinolates and widely found in plants of the cruciferous and Solanaceae families. ITCs are used in agriculture, medicine and the food industry. This article describes the preparation of complexes based on 3 types of ITCs (allyl isothionate (AITC), benzyl isothionate (BITC) and 2-phenylethyl isothiocinate (PEITC)) and their effect on ecologotrophic groups (ETG) of forest soil microorganisms. It has been proved that the deposition of ITC in bentonite contributes to the prolonged release of AITC, BITC, PEITC and reduces the time of their hydrolysis in the soil. Application of free forms of ITC decreased the number of ammonifiers by 2.6 times (when AITC was added), increased the number of nitrogen fixers up by 1.2 times (when BITC was added), and decreased the number of actinomycetes by 21, 1.4 and 1.9 times when AITC, PEITC and BITC were used, respectively. The number of micromycetes increased only when PEITC and BITC were introduced into the soil. The introduction of ITC/bentonite complexes into the soil resulted in a significant decrease in the number of ammonifiers for AITC/bentonite and PEITC/bentonite samples. The introduction of AITC/bentonite complex into the soil increased the number of nitrogen fixers, actinomycetes and micromycetes. The deposition of PEITC and BITC in the bentonite also led to an increase in the number of micromycetes and nitrogen fixers, respectively, which is most likely due to their low concentrations in contrast to free ITC.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of a novel Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal: Comparative genomics and phylogenetic insights

This study introduces a novel variety of the highly esteemed medicinal plant Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal from the family Solanaceae. The new variety, Withania somnifera var. abhaica Nadia, A. Ali & M.S. Alwahibi, var. nov., is distributed at high altitudes in the Abha hills of Saudi Arabia. The distinct characteristics of the novel variety of W. somnifera include elliptic-elongated leaves that are thick and semi-succulent in nature, and a fruiting calyx with a bifurcated tip measuring approximately 0.5 mm in length, with each bifurcated tip being botuliform in shape. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, we investigated the chloroplast genome of this variety. The complete chloroplast genome of W. somnifera var. abhaica from the Abha region, Saudi Arabia, spans 153,621 bp, with a GC content of 37.7%. It includes a large single-copy (LSC) region of 84,972 bp (GC 35.8%), a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,400 bp (GC 31.7%), and two inverted repeats (IRs) of 50,249 bp (GC 43.2%). Annotation of the chloroplast genome identified 131 genes, comprising 86 protein-encoding genes (PCGs), eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. Repeat analysis identified 38 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 50 longer repeat sequences in the plastome. A total of 66 RNA-editing sites were detected across 24 PCGs of the plastome. Comparative genomic studies including synteny analysis, supported and validated the assembled plastome. Nucleotide diversity analysis revealed psbJ, psbA, ndhF, and ycf1 as the most hypervariable barcodes. Phylogenetic analyses suggested the monophyly of the genus Withania. Moreover, the newly sequenced chloroplast genome of W. somnifera var. abhaica was found to be distinct from the typical W. somnifera. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 31(2): 205-223, 2024 (December)

Evaluation of chemical treatments for managing bacterial leaf spot in chili caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria

Chilli, a highly important and valuable crop worldwide, belongs to the Solanaceae family. In Pakistan, Sindh is the leading producer of chilli. However, bacterial leaf spot (BLS) caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria poses a significant threat, leading to yield losses of up to 40% globally. Effective management of BLS has become a critical concern. In the current study, five chemicals, Cabrio Top, Oxyrich, Kocide, Electus Super, and Forum Top, were evaluated for their efficacy in managing BLS. An in vitro experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications per treatment and three concentrations (200, 250, and 300 ppm) of each chemical. The results revealed that Cabrio Top exhibited the largest inhibition zone (18.710 mm), followed by Electus Super (16.730 mm), Forum Top (13.653 mm), and Kocide (11.759 mm), compared to the untreated control. Subsequently, an in vivo experiment was designed using the randomized complete block design with three replications and three concentrations (1, 2, and 3 g/L) of the best-performing chemicals. The combined treatment of Cabrio Top + Oxyrich demonstrated the most significant results, showing the lowest disease incidence (23.544%), followed by Oxyrich (31.559%) and Cabrio Top (37.193%). The findings of this study conclude that the combined application of Cabrio Top and Oxyrich is a promising approach for managing BLS in chilli under field conditions.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Lycium barbarum var. implicatum (Solanaceae), a new species of wolfberry from the Yellow River Basin in Ningxia, China

Lycium barbarum var. implicatum (2010), is a new variety of L. barbarum in Solanaceae. Here, we sequenced, assembled, and annotated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of L. barbarum var. implicatum. Results showed that the complete cp genome of L. barbarum var. implicatum was 154,888 bp in length, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 85,894 bp, a pair of inverted repeats (IR) region of 25,393 bp, and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,208 bp. Maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree elucidated that L. barbarum var. implicatum was sister to L. ruthenicum. Our results provide useful information for future phylogenetic studies in the family of Solanaceae.

Exploring root system architecture and its importance in solanaceous vegetables: A review

The root system architecture (RSA) in solanaceous vegetables has become an exciting area of research, uncovering complex networks essential for plant development, nutrient absorption, and resistance. This review delves into the comprehensive scope of research surrounding roots, shedding light on their dynamic nature and implications for agricultural practices. The Solanaceae family comprises of various vegetables, including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants, each with distinct root systems. Innovative methodologies have uncovered the complex and adaptive nature of these root systems. Roots of solanaceous vegetables have plasticity, reflecting their capacity to adjust to soil conditions, nutrient availability, and stressors. From the taproot structures in potatoes to the fibrous nature of tomato roots, this review synthesizes findings to elucidate the mechanisms behind root development and responses to environmental stimuli. Furthermore, the symbiotic associations between solanaceous crop roots and soil microorganisms have attracted significant interest. Understanding the intricate interactions between root exudates, microbial communities, and nutrient cycling opens avenues for sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the role of root architecture in fostering beneficial soil ecosystems. The implications of many research studies on RSA extend beyond academic interest and play a role in improving crop productivity. Understanding root system architecture enables breeders and agronomists to create cultivars with superior root characteristics, hence enhancing crop output, water-use efficiency, and resilience to abiotic challenges. Nonetheless, certain gaps persist, requiring additional investigation. A deeper investigation into the molecular mechanisms governing root development in solanaceous vegetables, particularly under changing climate scenarios is important for future research.

Deciphering Drought Resilience in Solanaceae Crops: Unraveling Molecular and Genetic Mechanisms.

The Solanaceae family, which includes vital crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes, is increasingly impacted by drought due to climate change. Recent research has concentrated on unraveling the molecular mechanisms behind drought resistance in these crops, with a focus on abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathways, transcription factors (TFs) like MYB (Myeloblastosis), WRKY (WRKY DNA-binding protein), and NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2- NAM: No Apical Meristem, ATAF1/2, and CUC2: Cup-shaped Cotyledon), and the omics approaches. Moreover, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) has been instrumental in identifying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) crucial for drought adaptation. Proteomics studies further reveal changes in protein expression under drought conditions, elucidating stress response mechanisms. Additionally, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified as key regulators in drought response. Advances in proteomics and transcriptomics have highlighted key proteins and genes that respond to drought stress, offering new insights into drought tolerance. To address the challenge of drought, future research should emphasize the development of drought-resistant varieties through precision breeding techniques such as gene editing, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and the integration of artificial intelligence. Additionally, the adoption of environmentally sustainable cultivation practices, including precision irrigation and the use of anti-drought agents, is crucial for improving water-use efficiency and crop resilience. International collaboration and data sharing will be essential to accelerate progress and ensure global food security in increasingly arid conditions. These efforts will enable Solanaceae crops to adapt the challenges posed by climate change, ensuring their productivity and sustainability.

Functional interactions among H2O2, NO, H2S, and melatonin in the physiology, metabolism, and quality of horticultural Solanaceae.

Cellular signaling is a key component of both intra- and intercellular communication, playing a crucial role in the development of higher plants as well as in their responses to environmental conditions of both abiotic and biotic origin. In recent decades, molecules such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and melatonin have gained significant relevance in plant physiology and biochemistry due to their signaling functions and their interactions, forming a comprehensive cellular communication network. The Solanaceae family of plants includes a group of horticultural crops of great global importance, for instance, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, which are of major agroeconomic significance due to their widespread cultivation and consumption. The primary objective of this work is to analyze the functions of this group of signaling molecules, particularly in these crops, and to explore how their exogenous application or the genetic manipulation of their endogenous concentration could serve as a promising biotechnological tool in the horticultural agroindustry. This approach could help mitigate the negative effects of various external stress factors and even preserve the organoleptic quality of these fruits during postharvest storage.

Molecular identification, genetic diversity, and secondary structure predictions of Physalis species using ITS2 DNA barcoding

BackgroundThe genus Physalis belongs to the Solanaceae family and has different species with important nutritional and medicinal values. Species within this genus have limited morphological differences, a characteristic that hinders accurate identification, safe utilization and genetic conservation of promising genotypes. In addition, to prevent the perceived loss of Physalis diversity due to habitat destruction, species delimitation needs attention. In this study, we used the sequence and structural information of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) barcode to efficiently identify and discriminate Physalis species from a collection of 34 Physalis accessions.MethodologyPhysalis plant samples were collected from eight Counties in Kenya based on the availability of the germplasm. The voucher specimens were identified using the botanical taxonomy method and were deposited in the University of Nairobi herbarium. A total of 34 Physalis accessions were identified and accessed for diversity based on the ITS2 barcode region. The sequence similarity of the ITS2 genes was analyzed through the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), the nearest Kimura-2-parameter (K2P) genetic distances were calculated and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Bayesian inference (BI) method in MrBayes 3.2.7a software. The differences in the ITS2 secondary structure between the species were analyzed.ResultsThe success rate of PCR amplification and sequencing was 75% and 67%, respectively. The analyzed ITS2 sequences displayed significant inter-specific divergences, clear DNA barcoding gaps and high species identification efficiency. Based on the constructed phylogenetic tree, three Physalis species (Physalis peruviana, Physalis purpurea and Physalis cordata) were identified and were clustered in a homogenized distribution. High genetic diversity (0.36923) and genetic distance (0.703) were observed between Physalis peruviana and Physalis cordata. The highest genetic nucleotide diversity (0.26324) and distance (0.46) within species was obtained for Physalis peruviana. The differences in the secondary structures generated from this study discriminated between the Physalis species.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that ITS2 is a potential DNA barcode for effective identification and discrimination of Physalis species. The results of this study provide insights into the scientific basis of species identification, safe utilization, genetic conservation and future breeding strategies for this important nutritional and medicinal plant species.

Determination of processing quality of local potato germplasms for industrial use

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) of the family Solanaceae is ranked globally as the fourth most important crop after rice, maize, and wheat. More than 7,500 different varieties of potato are found around the globe. In Pakistan the total area under potatoes cultivation is 134300 ha with production of about 2.5 million tons/annum. The availability of fresh and nutritive potatoes for human utilization is very essential. The present study was conducted to screen thirty-six potato genotypes for processing quality characteristics including specific gravity, dry matter and ash contents to determine their suitability for industrial use in compliance with food safety standards. The purpose of this study was to identify the new and best processing varieties considered suitable for industrial use and to recommend such varieties to the farmers for further growth. Among the thirty-six potato genotypes, 393594-72 (1.080 g/cm3), Kuroda (1.083 g/cm3), Potato-III (1.085 g/cm3) and Romeo (1.095 g/cm3) has the highest specific gravity, whereas Sarpomira (20.13%), 393574-72 (20.21%), Kuroda (21.1%), Potato-III (21.25%), and Romeo (23.38%) was found superior for their dry matter. The maximum ash contents were recorded in Sturna (6.65%) followed by Zia-III (5.55%). Most of the potatoes cultivars at any location produced tubers with a dry matter content greater than 18.0% and a specific gravity of 1.070 g/cm3, which are within the acceptable range for processing. The study was helpful in evaluation of best potato genotypes for industrial purposes and their cultivation by the farmers.

Comparative Transcriptome and Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Reveals Key Genes Responding to Ralstonia solanacearum Infection

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable belonging to the family Solanaceae. However, it is highly susceptible to yield reduction owing to soil-borne diseases caused by bacterial wilt (BW) (Ralstonia solanacearum L.). Therefore, understanding the mechanism of bacterial wilt resistance in eggplant is helpful for genetic improvement to create cultivars with strong bacterial wilt resistance. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of transcriptomics from eggplant varieties of different genotypes following infection with R. solanacearum. Transcriptome analysis revealed the majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily implicated in pathways such as the MAPK signaling pathway, plant hormone signal transduction, and plant–pathogen interactions, as determined using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. The expression profiles of hormone pathway genes suggest that salicylic acid, ethylene, and jasmonic acid may play significant roles in conferring bacterial wilt resistance. DEGs from the leaves, roots, and stems were partitioned into 14 modules. Among these, the black module exhibited the strongest correlation with target traits and 16 hub genes were identified using gene co-expression network analysis. Subsequently, seven hub genes were selected for validation using RT-qPCR, and the results were consistent with the RNA-seq data. Notably, upon gene annotation, a significant proportion of the hub genes were annotated as heat shock proteins (HSPs) or heat shock transcription factors (HSFs). These findings offer valuable insights for advancing research on the molecular genetic mechanisms through which HSPs/HSFs contribute to bacterial wilt resistance in eggplant.

Identification of Ethno-Veterinary Practices for Animal Diseases in Assosa Zone

Ethno-veterinary medicine is the application of traditional knowledge, theory, and practice to mitigate livestock diseases. The study conducted to document veterinary use of medicinal herbs of local users in Assosa Zone, Ethiopia from September 2022 to July 2023. Data collected between individual based field’s interviews using semi-structured questionnaire. Most of the respondents were males and with age group of 40 to 60 years old. Most of the respondents were illiterate by educational status and Muslims by religion. Around 68.6% of respondents acquire their traditional knowledge from family and most traditional healers prepared remedies from plants 73 (71.6%). In our investigation, 71 plant species from five districts identified. Those plants used against 68 types of livestock diseases and to increase livestock outputs. Those plants botanically distributed across 43 families. Data from our study suggested that the highest number of plant species was found in Solanaceae and Fabaceae family with (13.95%) followed by Combreataceae and Asteraceae (9.30%). Majority of the medicinal plants reported were found from forest (42.25%) followed by both possible to cultivated or found in forest (35.21%), and Backyard (21.13%). Majorities of medicinal plant preparations was from root parts (25.35%), followed by leaf, seed (22.54%), and bark (8.45%). The current study has revealed that the natives in the districts have been heavily dependent on traditional veterinary medicine for the treatment of variety of livestock diseases. Thus, it should recommend that conservational activities of medicinal plants and governmental encouragements of traditional healers should be addressed.

The 2025 Nucleic Acids Research database issue and the online molecular biology database collection.

The 2025 Nucleic Acids Research database issue contains 185 papers spanning biology and related areas. Seventythree new databases are covered, while resources previously described in the issue account for 101 update articles. Databases most recently published elsewhere account for a further 11 papers. Nucleic acid databases include EXPRESSO for multi-omics of 3D genome structure (this issue's chosen Breakthrough Resource and Article) and NAIRDB for Fourier transform infrared data. New protein databases include structure predictions for human isoforms at ASpdb and for viral proteins at BFVD. UniProt, Pfam and InterPro have all provided updates: metabolism and signalling are covered by new descriptions of STRING, KEGG and CAZy, while updated microbe-oriented databases include Enterobase, VFDB and PHI-base. Biomedical research is supported, among others, by ClinVar, PubChem and DrugMAP. Genomics-related resources include Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser and dbSNP. New plant databases cover the Solanaceae (SolR) and Asteraceae (AMIR) families while an update from NCBI Taxonomy also features. The Database Issue is freely available on the Nucleic Acids Research website (https://academic.oup.com/nar). At the NAR online Molecular Biology Database Collection (http://www.oxfordjournals.org/nar/database/c/), 932 entries have been reviewed in the last year, 74 new resources added and 226 discontinued URLs eliminated bringing the current total to 2236 databases.

Mutation Breeding on Medicinal Solanum Species: Advances, Applicability and Challenges

ABSTRACTMedicinal Solanum species, belonging to the Solanaceae family, are extensively utilized in traditional medicine because of their therapeutic properties, including anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activities. Enhancing these species through the integration of conventional breeding techniques with modern biotechnological tools presents promising strategies for developing improved varieties with higher yields, better quality and reduced thorniness. Induced mutagenesis has emerged as a highly effective approach for improving specific traits in these cultivars while preserving their well‐adapted genetic backgrounds. This review explores various mutagenesis methods, including physical, chemical and insertional methods, highlighting their efficacy in the enhancement of medicinal Solanum species. It also addresses the challenges and potential risks associated with mutation breeding. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies, such as MutMap, MutChromeSeq and whole‐genome sequencing‐based mapping, offer unprecedented opportunities for accurately detecting large‐scale mutagenesis‐induced variations in other solanaceous crops, including tomato, brinjal and chilli. The combination of well‐characterized mutant resources with innovative mapping techniques holds significant potential for rapidly improving the quality and yield of medicinal Solanum species. Overall, this comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners involved in the cultivation and enhancement of medicinal Solanum species through mutation breeding techniques.