Solanum Torvum Research Articles

Grafting Alleviates Cadmium Toxicity and Reduces Its Absorption by Tomato

A pot experiment was conducted to determine whether the grafting could improve growth and reduce cadmium (Cd) accumulation of tomato planted in Cd-contaminated soil. ‘Zhongyanhong 6’ (common tomato) and ‘Hongyu F1’ (cherry tomato) were grafted onto two varieties of wild eggplant (Solanum torvum and Totosga) and three varieties of tomato (‘Dalishengen’, ‘Banzhen18’, and ‘Guozhen 1’) rootstocks, respectively, and then transplanted in 10 mg kg−1 Cd-contaminated soil for 3 months. The results indicate that except for Totosga, grafting onto other rootstocks resulted in decreased growth and biomass of ‘Zhongyanhong 6’, but grafting increased growth and biomass of ‘Hongyu F1’, especially wild eggplant. Compared with un-grafted, grafting on ‘Guozhen’, Solanum torvum, and Totosga enhanced weight and size of two types of tomato fruits under Cd stress, but only S. torvum improved soluble sugar content and soluble solids of tomato fruits. The Cd content in plants and fruits of ‘HongyuF1’ grafted on five rootstocks was reduced, and only grafted on ‘Banzhen18’, Solanum torvum, and Totosga reduced Cd content in plants and fruits of ‘Zhongyanhong6’, especially two kinds of wild eggplant rootstocks had the most significant reduction in Cd content. Therefore, grafting on different rootstocks had different impacts on two types of tomato under Cd stress, and wild eggplant especially S. torvum is relatively better rootstock for both types of tomato.

Comparative study of the bioactive and chemical properties of three different Solanum spp. from Ghana

The family Solanaceae represent one of the most economically, nutritionally and medicinally important families of angiosperms. The genus Solanum is a hyper-diverse taxon of this family. There are about 2300 species of Solanum in the world that are mainly distributed in the tropical and sub-tropical areas, with a small number in the temperate areas. Solanum torvum has been extensively explored for its chemical constituents. To determine and compare the phytoconstituents of the fruits/berries of three different species of Solanum (torvum, erianthum, and macrocarpon) at different maturity stages. Fruits of Solanum (torvum, erianthum, and macrocarpon) were harvested at different maturity stages from local farms and around households in the Volta region and kept in sterile sample bags. Phytochemical and mineral analysis of the fruits was carried out according to the method of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), to determine the mineral composition of the fruits. Total phenolic content was determined by the Folin Ciocalteau method, Flavonoids content was determined by the Aluminum Chloride method. Antioxidant activity was determined by three assays; DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. The elemental mineral analysis was done using the flame photometer according to methods by AOAC. The present study revealed that the levels of antioxidants, total phenolics, and flavonoids contents were significantly affected by both the physiological maturity stage and extraction solvents. Total phenolic content ranged between 16.97±0.03 - 40.62±0.00 µL GAE/10 µL. Flavonoids contents ranged from 52.33±0.36 - 434.00±0.31 µL CE/10 µL. Antioxidants activity values ranged between 37.79±036 - 878.34±4.36, 16.66±7.40 - 47.49±15.27 and 0.075±0.00-0.257±0.00 for DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays respectively. Elemental mineral values recorded ranged between 4.87±0.03 - 11.55±0.05 mg/kg for Fe, 23.23±0.04 - 32.46±0.04 mg/kg for Mg and 34.317±0.03 - 15.3309±0.001 mg/kg for Na. This study revealed that the levels of antioxidants, total phenolics and flavonoids are significantly affected by both the physiological maturity stage and extraction solvents. It was clear that all methanolic extract showed significant variations with high values in antioxidants which included the DPPH scavenging activity, the ABTS• + scavenging activity, the Ferric reduction power assay, the total phenolics, and the flavonoid content.

ANALISA SENYAWA BIOAKTIF ANTIOKSIDAN DAN ZAT GIZI TERHADAP BUAH TERUNG POKAK (Solanum torvum) SEBAGAI BAHAN PANGAN FUNGSIONAL

Solanum torvum has potential as a functional food ingredient because it contains bioactive antioxidant compounds which are quite high and are proven as herbal medicines in China and are a popular food in Florida, Alabama, West India, Malaysia, Thailand, Mexico, Central America, South America, Brazil. The study aims to analyze the components of bioactive antioxidant compounds and nutrients in qualitative and quantitative methods and functional groups in fresh Solanum torvum. The research method used phytochemical screening, quantitative tests, chemical identification with LCMS, FTIR, AAS. The results of phytochemical screening studies, the Solanum torvum contains few alkaloids, while it contains a great number of saponins, steroids, glycosides. The quantitative test showed that the fruit contains 36.31 mg /g phenol, 0.62 mg/g tannin content, 2.76 mg/g flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (% DPPH inhibition) of 84.55%, 82.77% water content, 1.63% ash content, 2.73% fat content, 9.78% protein, 3.69% carbohydrates, 3.77% vitamin C, 0.97% phosphorus, 0.13% potassium, Ca 36.64 ppm, Mg 79.1 ppm, Fe 2.34 ppm. Chemical tests with LCMS contain 13 types of components namely (1) chlorogenic acid, (2) 4-O-caffeoylquinic, (3) 3-O-caffeoylquinic, (4) 4-O-caffeoylquinic, (5) 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, (6) 5-O-feruloylquinic acid, (7) 3-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, (8) 4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, (9) 3-5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, (10) 3-O -feruloylquinic acid, (11) 5-O-feruloquinic acid, (12) putative dicaffeoylquiniacid, (13) putativedicaffeoylquinic acid. The functional groups of Solanum torvum have seven types namely phenol (OH), Alkane (C-H), Alkene (C = C), aromatic ring, Nitro (NO2), Amine and Amide (C-N), Alcohol (C-O). Thus, fresh Solanum torvum contains potential antioxidant compounds and nutrients that function for health and functional food.

Farklı Ultrasonik Ses Dalgası Uygulamalarının Solanum torvum Tohumlarındaki Çimlenme ve Çıkış Değerleri Üzerine Etkisi

Bu çalışma, farklı ultrasonik ses dalgası uygulamalarının Solanum torvum tohumlarındaki çimlenme ve çıkış değerleri üzerine etkisini tespit etmek amacı ile yürütülmüştür. Bu amaçla tohumlar ultrasonik ses dalgası cihazı aracılığı ile 2 ultrasonik ses dalgası şiddeti (50% ve 100% amplitude) ve 3 ultrasonik ses dalgası süresi (5, 10 ve 15 dk) uygulamasına maruz bırakılmıştır. Bu uygulamaların Solanum torvum tohumlarının çimlenme oranı (%), ortalama çimlenme süresi (OÇS), çimlenme indeksi, çimlenme hızı G50 (gün), çıkış oranı (%), ortalama çıkış zamanı (OÇZ), çıkış indeksi ve çıkış hızı E50 (gün) üzerine etkileri ortaya konulmuştur. Araştırma sonucunda, tüm çimlenme ve çıkış değerleri açısından genel olarak 5A5D (50 amplitude-5 dakika) uygulamasının kontrole göre oldukça iyi sonuçlar verdiği tespit edilmiştir. Kontrol uygulamasında 60% civarında olan çimlenme ve çıkış oranları 5A5D uygulamasında sırası ile 96% ve 90% olarak belirlenmiştir. Ancak ortalama çimlenme süresi ve çıkış süresi açısından istatistiki olarak öne çıkan uygulama bulunmamıştır. Çimlenme hızı G50 ve çıkış hızı E50 değerleri yönünden 5A5D uygulamasının 4 gün kadar erken çimlenme ve çıkış sağladığı tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca 5A5D ultrasonik ses dalgası uygulamasının, erken çimlenme ve yüksek oranda çimlenme ve çıkış oranları üzerine olumlu etkilerinin olduğu belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçların tohum çimlenme ve çıkış oranı açısından sorun yaşanan birçok bitki türünde kullanımlarına yönelik çalışmalar yapılması planlanmaktadır.

Cutting after grafting affects the growth and cadmium accumulation of tomato

ABSTRACT Cuttings are asexual reproduction, and different vegetative organs of the plant can be selected as cuttings to grow into a new plant. Growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation of cuttings taken from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants non-grafted or grafted onto five different rootstocks were studied in a pot experiment. ‘Zhongyanhong 6ʹ and ‘Hongyu F1ʹ were non-grafted (CK) and were grafted onto Solanum torvum, Totosga, ‘Dalishengen’, ‘Banzhen 18ʹ and ‘Guozhen 1ʹ, respectively, planted in pots without Cd-contaminated soil. Cuttings were taken after one month, then grown in Cd-contaminated soil (10 mg kg−1) for three months. In ‘Zhongyanhong 6ʹ cuttings, compared with non-grafted, grafting onto five rootstocks increased plant dry weight, grafting onto ‘Banzhen 18ʹ and S. torvum increased plant height, grafting onto ‘Banzhen 18ʹ and ‘Guozhen 1’ increased fruit fresh weight, grafting onto ‘Guozhen 1ʹ and ‘Dalishengen’ reduced Cd content in fruit. In ‘Hongyu F1ʹ cuttings, compared with non-grafted, grafting onto five rootstocks increased plant dry weight, grafting onto Totosga increased plant height, grafting onto S. torvum and Totosga increased fruit fresh weight, grafting onto ‘Banzhen 18ʹ, ‘Dalishengen’, S. torvum and Totosga decreased Cd content in fruit. Cutting after grafting affects growth and Cd accumulation of tomato, which can provide a theoretical basis for the safe production of nightshade vegetables.

Drivers of Perceptions About Turkey Berry and Palm Weevil Larvae Among Ghanaian Women of Reproductive Age: A Mixed Methods Approach

Abstract Objectives Availability and access to diversity of foods that are affordable for all peoples always is important for achieving food security status (FSS). Hence, this study examined the influence of FSS on women's perception on underutilized foods: iron-rich plant, solanum torvum (turkey berry, TUB) and edible insect, Rhynchophorus phoenicis fabricius (palm weevil larvae, PWL). Methods This cross-sectional study involved 891 women of reproductive age (WRA) from communities in Upper Manya Krobo district, Kumasi Metropolitan, La-Nkwantanang-Madina and Ho municipality in the Eastern, Ashanti, Greater-Accra and Volta regions of Ghana respectively. Data was collected on socio-demographic characteristics, FSS and perceptions about TUB and PWL using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to determine effect of FSS on perception outcomes. Also, 2 focus group discussions (FGD) of 10 WRA each were conducted in each municipality/district and analyzed for major themes and patterns. Results Mean age was 33 ± 8 y and 36% were food secure. High favorable perception about TUB was 60.9% compared to 17.4% for PWL. WRA residing in big towns in the Greater-Accra region were 2.5 times more likely to have high favorable perceptions about TUB and 4.8 times more likely to have low favorable perceptions about PWL compared to WRA in small towns in the Volta region (P = 0.03). Compared to food insecure WRA, food secure WRA were 2.9 times more likely to have high favorable perceptions about TUB and 4.5 times more likely to have low favorable perceptions about PWL (P = 0.001). FGD participants identified TUB as “the blood-giving plant” and PWL as “the meat of delight”. TUB use barriers included its “hard to grind numerous seeds”, “bitter taste” and “funny smell”. PWL use barriers included “it's like a maggot” and “it's scarce”. FGD participants requested education on nutritional benefits of TUB and PWL and processing of these foods into products that can be liked by everyone. Conclusions Drivers of favorable perception about TUB and PWL were region of residence and FSS. Nutrition education and local processing of TUB and PWL into ready-to-use products is recommended as a low-cost sustainable strategy for improving nutrient density of complementary and household foods in communities where these foods are culturally accepted. Funding Sources Iowa State University.

Rootstock and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Combinatorial Effects on Eggplant Crop Performance and Fruit Quality under Greenhouse Conditions

The herbaceous grafting of fruiting vegetables is considered a toolbox for safeguarding yield stability under various distresses and for improving fruit quality. Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi seems also to be an efficient tool for increasing the assimilation, uptake and translocation of macroelements and microelements, for modulating plant secondary metabolism and for overcoming several forms of plant distress. The present work evaluated the combined effect of grafting the “Birgah” (B) eggplant onto its wild/allied relatives’ rootstocks (Solanum torvum (T), S. macrocarpon (M) and S. paniculatum (P)) and AM fungi (R. irregularis) on the yield, fruit quality, nitrogen use efficiency, mineral profile, and nutritional and functional quality. The B/T, B/M and B/P grafting combinations significantly increased the marketable fruit and fruit number compared with those in the ungrafted control. Furthermore, irrespective of the grafting combinations, AM fungi significantly enhanced the marketable fruit, fruit number and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 13.3%, 12.7% and 13.3%, respectively compared to those in the untreated control. Exposing the B/T and B/P grafted plants to the +AM treatment significantly increased the ascorbic acid contents by 17.2% and 10.4%, respectively, compared with those in the ungrafted control. Fruits from the combination B/P × +AM had a higher chlorogenic acid content than fruits from the ungrafted control plots. Finally, the B/T × +AM and B/P × +AM combinations decreased glycoalkaloids by 58.7% and 63.7%, respectively, compared with those in the ungrafted control, which represents a highly important target for eggplant fruit healthiness.

Phenological observations of selected wild edible vegetables from tropical and subtropical forest of Mizoram, Northeast India

The phenological study provides an idea about the plant reproductive success and is a key bio-indicator providing temporal and spatial information concerning climate change. The present study recorded phenophases of 14 wild edible vegetables from different forest of Aizawl district, Mizoram Northeast India. Five healthy individuals of each species were selected to make out the timing and duration of various phenological events for three years consecutively. The study revealed that maximum plant species undergoing leaf initiation were highest during March and April for all the three years under investigation. The longest new leaf development period was observed in Acacia pennata, Solanum torvum and Crotalaria tetragona which lasted for 17 weeks each in three consecutive years. The leaf fall was observed in nine species which coincided with the dry seasons. The longest period for flower bud formation was observed in Dyxosylum excelsum lasting for 18 weeks in 2015. The flowering peak was observed during August 2016 (50%) and alternative small peak in April for the three consecutive years. The duration of the flowering period for all the species was between 33 days (Azadirachta indica) to 139 days (Solanum torvum). 57.14% of plant species showed maximum fruiting during October 2017. Comparing three years of data, the maximum seed formation was observed during December 2017 (50%). Among the species investigated, maximum seed fall was observed during the month of February 2015, February 2017, and November 2016. Rainfall and temperature were significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with the phenological events. This investigation will provide baseline information in understanding the stability and timing of their biological events, which could also be a significant tool for the management and conservation of wild edible vegetables.

Performance of a Set of Eggplant (Solanum melongena) Lines With Introgressions From Its Wild Relative S. incanum Under Open Field and Screenhouse Conditions and Detection of QTLs

Introgression lines (ILs) of eggplant (Solanum melongena) represent a resource of high value for breeding and the genetic analysis of important traits. We have conducted a phenotypic evaluation in two environments (open field and screenhouse) of 16 ILs from the first set of eggplant ILs developed so far. Each of the ILs carries a single marker-defined chromosomal segment from the wild eggplant relative S. incanum (accession MM577) in the genetic background of S. melongena (accession AN-S-26). Seventeen agronomic traits were scored to test the performance of ILs compared to the recurrent parent and of identifying QTLs for the investigated traits. Significant morphological differences were found between parents, and the hybrid was heterotic for vigour-related traits. Despite the presence of large introgressed fragments from a wild exotic parent, individual ILs did not display differences with respect to the recipient parent for most traits, although significant genotype × environment interaction (G × E ) was detected for most traits. Heritability values for the agronomic traits were generally low to moderate. A total of ten stable QTLs scattered across seven chromosomes was detected. For five QTLs, the S. incanum introgression was associated with higher mean values for plant- and flower-related traits, including vigour prickliness and stigma length. For one flower- and four fruit-related-trait QTLs, including flower peduncle and fruit pedicel lengths and fruit weight, the S. incanum introgression was associated with lower mean values for fruit-related traits. Evidence of synteny to other previously reported in eggplant populations was found for three of the fruit-related QTLs. The other seven stable QTLs are new, demonstrating that eggplant ILs are of great interest for eggplant breeding under different environments.

Pharmacological and Preliminary Phytochemical Studies in Solanum torvum Swartz.

Solanum torvum Swartz. is one of most important ethnomedicinal plant used by the Korku of Melghat. Plant powder or ash given with honey to cure asthma and cough by Korku tribe but elsewhere it is used for other health elements by few researchers. The present paper deals with detailed morphological, anatomical and phytochemical screening of Solanum torvum Swartz. with pharmacognostical approach. In this paper, macro- &amp; micro- morphological and anatomical studies are presented along with illustrations which give better picture of anatomical peculiarities of Solanum torvum Swartz.

Cytotoxic Activity and Selectivity Index of Solanum Torvum Fruit on T47D Breast Cancer Cells

Solanum torvum has antioksidan. This study aimed to analyse cytotoxic activity and selectivity index of Solanum torvum on T47D breast cancer cells invitro. Identification of Solanum torvum fruit chemical compounds with LCMS containing Clorogenic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-feruloyquinic acid, 5-O-feruloylquinic acid, 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, 3,4 - O dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, 5-O-feruloylquinic acid, putative dicaffeoylquinic lactone. Cytotoxic assays showed that the Solanum torvum Without Fermentation were IC 50 (IGT) 1111.62μg/ mL, IC 50 (MGT)1889.20μg/mL, IC 50 (EGT) 1171.90μg/mL, IC 50 (FEGT) 305.98 μg/mL. Cytotoxic assays showed that the treatment of fermentation was IC 50 (IBT) 1760.36 μg/mL, IC 50 (MBT) 1631.06 μg/mL, IC 50 (EBT) of 1111.58 μg/mL, IC 50 (FEBT) 39.17μg/mL, IC 50 (FHBT) 85.58 μg/mL. Index of selectivity (IS) Solanum torvum (without fermentation) were IS (IGT) 5.23, IS (MGT) 0.61, IS (EGT) 1.06, IS (FEGT) 1.45. Index of selectivity of Solanum torvum (fermentation treatment) were IS (IBT) 2.41, IS (MBT) 0.78, IS (EBT) 0.18, IS (FEBT) 4.64, IS (FHBT) 1.67. The best results are treatment of ethyl acetate fraction of Solanum torvum (FEBT) has IC 50 was 39.17 μg/mL and Index selectivity was 4.64, declared safe/not toxic to normal cells, thus potentially developed as T47D breast anticancer cells.

Cytotoxic Activity and Selectivity Index of &lt;i&gt;Solanum torvum&lt;/i&gt; Fruit on T47D Breast

Solanum torvum has antioksidan. This study aimed to analyse cytotoxic activity and selectivity index of Solanum torvum on T47D breast cancer cells invitro. Identification of Solanum torvum fruit chemical compounds with LCMS containing Clorogenic acid, 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-feruloyquinic acid, 5-O-feruloylquinic acid, 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, 3,4-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3-O-feruloylquinic acid, 5-O-feruloylquinic acid, putative dicaffeoylquinic lactone. Cytotoxic assays showed that the Solanum torvum Without Fermentation were IC 50 (IGT) 1111.62 μg/ mL, IC 50 (MGT) 1889.20 μg/mL, IC 50 (EGT) 1171.90 μg/mL, IC 50 (FEGT) 305.98 μg/mL. Cytotoxic assays showed thatthe treatment of fermentation was IC 50 (IBT) 1760.36 μg/mL, IC 50 (MBT) 1631.06 μg/mL, IC 50 (EBT) of 1111.58 μg/mL, IC 50 (FEBT) 39.17μg/mL, IC 50 (FHBT) 85.58 μg/mL. Index of selectivity (IS) Solanum torvum (without fermentation) were IS (IGT) 5.23, IS (MGT) 0.61, IS (EGT) 1.06, IS (FEGT) 1.45. Index of selectivity of Solanum torvum (fermentation treatment) were IS (IBT) 2.41, IS (MBT) 0.78, IS (EBT) 0.18, IS (FEBT) 4.64, IS (FHBT) 1.67. The best results are treatment of ethyl acetate fraction of Solanum torvum(FEBT) has IC 50 was 39.17 μg/mL and Index selectivity was 4.64, declared safe/not toxic to normal cells, thus potentially developed as T47D breast anticancer cells.

Isolation, Target Site Prediction and Validation of miR393 Prediction Target Gene &lt;i&gt;Ve&lt;/i&gt; in &lt;i&gt;Solanum torvum&lt;/i&gt;

In this study, total RNA was extracted by modified Triziol method and the full-length sequence of Verticillium wilt resistance gene Ve was obtained by homologous cloning. The binding site of miR393 to Ve was predicted by rna hybrid and validated by RLM-5’-RACE. The results showed that Ve gene contains 3302 nucleotides, encodes 904 amino acids, and has 85.63% homology with tomato, potato, tobacco, etc. The predicted results of binding sites showed that miR393 and Ve were almost completely paired from site 263 in Solanum torvum . With the help of RLM-5’-RACE, we found that the miR393 and target gene Ve were cut between the 10 th and 11 th base sites of the complementary binding sequence. Through the verification of PCR and sequencing, Ve was finally confirmed as the target gene of miR393 in Solanum torvum . It provides theoretical basis for further research on the molecular mechanism of miR393 mediated Ve gene participating in Verticillium wilt resistance.

Energy and exergy analysis of greenhouse drying of ivy gourd and turkey berry

This study deals with the performance evaluation of a simple low-cost green-house dryer using energy and exergy analysis. Drying experiments were conducted under the open Sun and in greenhouse dryer with two different cover sheets of ultra violet polyethylene and drip lock under passive mode and active mode for two vegetables with medicinal values: ivy gourd (coccinia grandis) and turkey berry (solanum torvum). Thermal efficiency, exergy efficiency, and improvement potential were evaluated and presented. The experiment showed that performance of the greenhouse dryer was better than the open sun drying. Thermal efficiencies were up to 30.64% and exergy efficiency values were up to 0.09% and the maximum values were obtained during the drying of ivy gourd with the drip lock sheet under active mode. The results showed that this dryer could be used for drying agricultural products at low cost by the farmers in order to produce value added products from their harvested products.

In vitro cytotoxic activity against human hepatoma HepG2 cells, antioxidant activity, total phenol and flavonoid content of methanol extracts from four plants in Bay Nui, An Giang Province

Liver cancer has become a common cancer in Viet Nam and in the world. The in vitro study of the cytotoxicity on hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 is important for testing for active substances that are actually useful in treating liver cancer. In this study, based on literature and folk herbal knowledge in the use of Vietnamese medicinal herbs to treat cancer and liver diseases, we have evaluated cytotoxicity against HepG2, antioxidant capicity, total flavonoid and phenol content of methanol extracts from Luvunga scandens leaves (RLD1), Hyptis suaveolens (L.) roots (RLD9), Solanum torvum (Sw.) leaves (RLD10) and Zingiber zerumbet (L.) rhizomes (RLD7R). As a result, at 100 mg/L concentration of the extracts, RLD1 and RLD9 demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity with cell survival rate less than 27%. While RLD1 sample showed weak antioxidant capacity (IC50 = 426.275 0.005 mg/L), RLD9 possessed the stronger antioxidant activity (IC50 = 24.320 0.031 mg/L) as well as the highest total phenol content (97.441.46 mg GAE/g extract). Although RLD7R sample did not show any cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells, it exhibited a strong antioxidant potential (IC50 = 21.326 0.083 mg/L), associated with the highest total flavonoid content (63.13 14.30 mg QE/g extract). This study has demonstrated that Luvunga scandens leaves and Hyptis suaveolens roots have potential in liver cancer treatment.

Effect of Solanum torvum Swartz on diabetic neuropathy in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Solanum torvum Swartz is a well-known traditional herbal medicinal plant used in diabetes and diabetes-related complications. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of S. torvum on diabetic neuropathy in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by using a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg; i.p.). After confirmation of diabetes, rats received metformin (120 mg/kg, p.o.) and STME (30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o) for 5 weeks. Diabetic rats showed significant (P <0.05) behavioural changes, increase in blood glucose levels, decrease in relative organ weight of pancreas, significant (P <0.05) decrease in reduced glutathione (RGSH) and significant (P <0.05) increase in TBARS levels. While STME (100 mg/kg) treated diabetic rats significantly (P <0.05) reversed the above parameters as compared to diabetic rats. Treatment with STME (100 mg/kg) has also reversed histopathological changes as observed in diabetic control rats. The study suggests that methanolic extract of S. torvum ameliorates diabetic neuropathy in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Gestión comunitaria para la conservación de la Microcuenca Mónica, Loja, Ecuador

El presente artículo propone la elaboración de un plan de manejo ambiental para la restauración y conservación de las riveras fluviales de la Microcuenca Mónica de Loja-Ecuador, mediante la fitorremediación. Esta microcuenca está siendo fuertemente afectada por la acción antrópica, el pastoreo incontrolado, la extracción de áridos, la expansión de viviendas próximas a los cauces, ampliación de la frontera agrícola y ganadera, descargas de efluentes de distintas actividades: domésticas, basurales, agrícolas y ganaderas. La metodología utilizada comprende actividades de campo y laboratorio, como: diagnóstico ambiental actual y análisis de muestras de agua. Identificados los contaminantes y basados en resultados del laboratorio se elaboró una propuesta de plan de manejo ambiental orientado a la gestión de manejo, restauración y conservación de las riveras fluviales. Las plantas utilizadas como fitorremediadoras son: Alnus acuminata Kunth (Aliso), Salix humboldtiana Willd (Sauce). Solanum torvum, Hedyosmum scabrum (Ruiz &amp; Pavón) y Medicago sativa (alfalfa), son especies nativas que se desarrollan en condiciones de humedad. Los resultados de esta investigación serán de gran utilidad para futuros proyectos que permitan la recuperación de estos ecosistemas para garantizar el desarrollo de procesos de recuperación y el manejo sustentable de las microcuencas.

First Report of Tobacco Vein Banding Mosaic Virus Naturally Infecting Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) in China

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L. var. humile [Bernh.]) is a common solanaceous plant that is an arable weed and also used in herbal medicine in China (Wang et al. 2017b; Zhao et al. 2018). The weed occurs commonly in a wide variety of habitats, including orchards, fields, villages, and roadsides in southwest provinces in China. In May 2019, about 3% of black nightshade plants growing in a tomato field at Kunming city in Yunnan province in China were found showing typical symptoms of viral disease (chlorosis, mosaic, leaf twisting, and plant stunting). To identify the suspected virus, one plant with severe symptoms was chosen for small RNA sequencing. Total RNA was extracted from leaves of symptomatic tissues by TruSeq Small RNA Sample Prep Kits (Illumina, San Diego, CA), and a small RNA library was constructed and then sequenced by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The analysis generated approximately 11.37 million Illumina reads (15 to 40 nt in length), of which more than 0.082 million reads were mapped to the tobacco vein banding mosaic virus (TVBMV) genome (reference sequence accession no. NC_009994.1). No other viruses and viroids were detected. Further observation by transmission electron microscopy showed that the negatively stained crude sap of two symptomatic plants contained flexuous, filamentous virus particles about 600 to 900 nm in length, typical of a potyvirus. To further confirm the results, total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Carlsbad, CA), first-strand cDNA was synthesized from 1 µg of total RNA using an oligo dT primer and a random primer mix, and then fragments of the TVBMV-CP gene were amplified with specific primers (F, 5′-AATGACGAACAGACAGTTGATGCTG-3′; R, 5′-CACGCCACTCACACCAAGTAGG-3′; designed from the CP gene of an HTS-generated clone) by 2×T5 Super PCR Mix (Tsingke BioTech, China). After cloning into a pGEM-T vector (Promega Biotech, U.S.A.), six clones of each fragment were randomly chosen for Sanger sequencing (Tsingke BioTech). The clone sequences were identical, and this partial TVBMV sequence was then submitted to GenBank (accession no. MN331841). This new sequence was most similar to Chinese isolate XDBB-01 (95.1% nucleotide identity to the CP mRNA, accession MG880266.1, and 98.2% amino acid identity to the corresponding coat protein AYG97953.1). Ten additional black nightshade plants with similar symptoms and another three asymptomatic plants were randomly selected and tested for the presence of TVBMV using the same primers. All 10 symptomatic plants tested positive for TVBMV, whereas the asymptomatic plants tested negative by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) (data not shown). Transmissibility of TVBMV from black nightshade to tomato (cultivar KP13) by aphids (Myzus persicae), which were present widely in the tomato fields in the region, was tested according to the method reported by Yu et al. (2007). At 21 days postinoculation, 10 out of 20 inoculated plants showed leaf twisting symptoms. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of TVBMV in these plants but not in plants without symptoms. Results from three biological repeats were consistent, demonstrating that black nightshade can serve as an effective inoculum source for TVBMV. TVBMV has been reported to infect tobacco, potato, Datura stramonium, wild eggplant, tomato, and sesame in China (Wang et al. 2017a). To our knowledge, this is the first report of TVBMV infecting S. nigrum in natural field conditions. Our findings indicate that S. nigrum in the field could be a reservoir of TVBMV to infect tomato and cause viral disease in tomato fields.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of solanum torvum mediated silver nanoparticle against Xxanthomonas axonopodis pv.punicae and Ralstonia solanacearum

To meet the food demand of growing population, agricultural productivity needs to be increased by employing safe strategies without harming ecosystem. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) using a green approach has become a promising substitute to the synthetic pesticides to overcome pest menace. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized from Solanum torvum fruit extract and their bactericidal property against phyto bacteria was shown. UV–vis spectroscopic observation revealed a surface resonance peak of 440 nm corresponding to the formation of AgNPs. Microscopic and particle-size analyses showed a nearly spherical size, with an average diameter of 27 nm. Surface charge and polydispersity index of the synthesized AgNPs were -11.8 mV and 0.29, respectively. Powder X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray and Infrared spectroscopy techniques were used to explore phase formation, composition and possible biological molecules involved in AgNP formation. AgNPs exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations of 6.25 μg mL−1 and 12.5 μg mL−1 against bacterial plant pathogens Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae and Ralstonia solanacearum. In-vitro disk-diffusion assay showed inhibition zones of 11.4 ± 1 mm for R. solanacearum and 18.1 ± 1 mm for X. axonopodis pv. punicae treated with 50 μg mL-1 AgNPs. The AgNPs generated intracellular reactive oxygen species in the pathogens. DNA damage and DNA replication inhibition studies showed genotoxicity of AgNPs to the bacterial cells. A plant toxicity study demonstrated a nontoxic effect of the synthesized NPs. Overall; the results show that AgNPs can be used as an economically feasible, ecologically safe and effective approach to overcome bacterial diseases.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Sorghum Crop Residues on Weed Management and Crop Performance of Wheat

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of sorghum crop residues on weed management and crop performance of wheat. The experiment consisted of three varieties of wheat viz., BARI Gom-19, BARI Gom-21, BARI Gom-24 and five different levels of treatments such as no use of aqueous extract, aqueous extract of sorghum crop residues: 1:20 ratio (w/v), 1:30 ratio (w/v), 1:40 ratio (w/v) and hand weeding. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seven weed species belonging to five families infested the experimental plots. Weed population, weed dry weight and percent inhibition of weed were significantly influenced by aqueous extract of sorghum crop residues and varieties. The maximum weed growth was noticed with the variety BARI Gom-19 and the minimum was found in the variety BARI Gom-21. The grain yield as well as the other yield contributing characters produced by BARI Gom-21 was the highest among the studied varieties. The highest percent inhibition for all of the weeds was found in hand weeding treatment. The second highest percent weed inhibition was occurred in aqueous extract of sorghum crop residues @ 1:20 ratio (w/v) treatment which was 51.81, 51.10, 52.90, 55.58, 75.27, 73.83 and 53.85 percent for bathua (Chenopodium album), mutha (Cyperus rotundus), durba (Cynodon dactylon), biskatali (Polygonum hydropiper), angta (Paspalum scrobiculatum), tit begun (Solanum torvum) and shama (Echinochloa crusgalli) respectively. The highest loss of grain yield was obtained where no aqueous extract of sorghum crop residues were used. The highest yield and yield attributes were observed where hand weeding is done followed by the application of aqueous extract of sorghum crop residues @1:20 ratio (w/v). Wheat var. BARI Gom-21 with all treatments produced the highest grain and straw yield among the treatment combination. The results of this study indicate that different amount of aqueous extract of sorghum crop residues showed potential activity to suppress weed growth and it has significant effect on the yield of wheat. Therefore, aqueous extract of sorghum crop residues might be used as an alternative way for weed management in effective and sustainable crop production&#x0D; Bangladesh Agron. J. 2018, 21(2): 87-95