Solanum Elaeagnifolium Research Articles

Evaluation of Advanced Backcrosses of Eggplant with Solanum elaeagnifolium Introgressions under Low N Conditions

Selection and breeding of eggplant (Solanum melongena) materials with good performance under low nitrogen (N) fertilization inputs is a major breeding objective to reduce environmental degradation, risks for human health, and production costs. Solanum elaeagnifolium, an eggplant wild relative, is a potential source of variation for introgression breeding in eggplant. We evaluated 24 plant, fruit, and composition traits in a set of genotyped advanced backcrosses (BC2 and BC3) of eggplant with S. elaeagnifolium introgressions under low N conditions. Significant differences were found between the two parents for most traits, and a wide phenotypic diversity was observed in the advanced backcrosses, with some individuals with a much higher yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and phenolics content than the S. melongena parent. In general, the lower the proportion of S. elaeagnifolium genome introgressed in the advanced backcrosses, the higher was the general phenotypic resemblance to S. melongena. Putative QTLs were detected for stem diameter (pd4), presence of prickles in stem (ps6), leaf (pl6) and fruit calyx (pc6), fruit width (fw7), chlorogenic acid content (cg5), total phenolic acid peaks area (ph6), chlorogenic acid peak area (ca1), and phenolic acids pattern (cp1). Our results reveal that introgression breeding of eggplant with S. elaeagnifolium has a great interest for eggplant breeding, particularly for adaptation to low N conditions. These materials can potentially contribute to the development of improved eggplant varieties for a more sustainable agriculture.

Seed germination dynamics of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) and implications for effective weed management

AbstractSilverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) is a noxious weed that threatens agricultural productivity and biodiversity worldwide. The long‐term management of soil seedbanks along with the aboveground populations of silverleaf nightshade has the potential to effectively control the species in its introduced range. Implementation of this strategy requires insights into the germination behavior of the weed in response to various environmental stimuli and endogenous cues. We assessed the morphology and germination of silverleaf nightshade seeds from an agricultural farm, native rangelands, and an urban site in Texas, USA. The effects of growth substrate, phytohormones, and salt treatments on seed germination were also evaluated to identify potential stimulus that can be used to manipulate germination in the species. Results of the study showed that silverleaf nightshade seeds from the agricultural farm were the largest, while those from the Littlefield rangeland were the smallest. Seeds collected from the urban site and agricultural farm have higher germination rates than those sampled from the rangelands. Compared to domesticated crops, silverleaf nightshade seeds require longer imbibition time. Seed germination was better in potting mix than in sand or combined potting mix and sand and was significantly reduced by salt and abscisic acid treatments. Overall, results of the study highlight the crucial role of local environments in conditioning the transgenerational adaptation of species, particularly with respect to germination. Recommendations for silverleaf nightshade control are presented based on the observed variations in the germination behavior of populations within specific ranges.

Are Mediterranean forest ecosystems under the threat of invasive species Solanum elaeagnifolium?

Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. is one of the most invasive plant species worldwide that colonizes crops and human disturbed lands, while it appears at the edge of forest ecosystems. Its control still remains an unsolved problem around the world. Understanding its distribution under predicted climate change, could contribute to an effective management and conservation of ecosystems in the future. This research was conducted in order to investigate the capacity of this species to invade Mediterranean forest ecosystems, and if the allelopathy effects of forest tree species could control its regeneration, thus contributing to a natural and biological management practice aimed to prevent the species from pervading into Mediterranean forest ecosystems. Results showed that S. elaeagnifolium can establish itself outside and along the forest edges, but not in a typical forest environment. The leaf extracts of Pinus brutia, Cupressus sempervirens, Quercus coccifera and Quercus pubescens significantly inhibited the germination of S. elaeagnifolium. Root regenerative ability of the cuttings was also significantly affected by the leaf extract treatments. P. brutia leaf extract had significantly the highest inhibitory activity on root regenerative ability of the species. Despite the promising findings of this study, absence of S. elaeagnifolium in Mediterranean forest ecosystems can be attributed to a combination of factors. In the context of climate change, especially in hot and dry Mediterranean areas, and the expected increase of forest disturbances (e.g., fires), the findings of the study could contribute towards the restriction of this invasive alien species by an appropriate management of forest ecosystems.

Effect of Spraying with Alcoholic Plant Extracts of Water Hyacinth (Eichhorinia crassipes) and Silverleaf (Solanum elaeagnifolium) on Growth and Yield of Corn, Zea myas L.

A Field experiment was carried out at private field, Jazirah district, Al-Budhiyab, which is located at latitude 38.28° North and longitude 43.19° East, to study effect of different concentrations of water hyacinth and silverleaf extracts on three cultivars of corn. The experiment was applied using split-split plot arrangement within RCBD with three replicates. Main-plots were represented by the cultivars Sumer, Fajr and Maha, and sub-plots, were the spray concentrations included 0,5,15 and25 mg L−1. The results showed that the cultivar Fajr was superior in plant height, leaf area, number of rows per ear, and number of grains per row in the spring season, with averages of 253.63 cm, 4978 cm2, 18.58 rows ear−1, 45.54 grain per row−1. While the Maha cultivar outperformed all the traits except for the number of grains in a row in the fall season with averages of 269.00 cm, 4841 cm2, 16.12 row ear−1 diameter of stem 24.77 mm and 19.15 mm (in the two seasons) and the yield of 4.21 ton ha−1. In the spring season. And the weight of combined weeds decreased by 0.014 mg plant−1 in the fall season. While the Sumer cultivar reduced the weight of combined weeds by 0.050 mg plant−1 in the spring season and increased the number of grains in the row by 38.75 grain per row−1 in the fall season and the weight of 500 grains was 106.80 and 87.65 g in the two seasons respectively, and the result was 2.83 ton ha−1 (in the spring season). The concentration exceeded 25 mg L−1in plant height 267.70 cm and the concentration decreased by 15 mg L−1dry weeds weight in the two seasons 0.072 and 0.023 mg plant−1 respectively, and the same concentration increased the number of rows of ear in the spring season 18.11 row ear−1 and the number of grains 44.89 grain row−1. The concentration of 5 mg L−1increased the weight of 500 grains in the spring season by 109.41 g. it could be concluded that 15 mg L−1 was the best to improve growth and yield properties of Zea mays.

Investigating the Invasion Pattern of the Alien Plant Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. (Silverleaf Nightshade): Environmental and Human-Induced Drivers.

Invasive alien plant species have impacts on nature conservation, ecosystem services and agricultural production. To identify environmental and human-related drivers of the invasion of Solanum elaeagnifolium (Solanaceae)—one of the worst alien invasive plants worldwide—we conducted an extensive drive-by survey across the Greek territory (presence/absence data; all national major multilane highways; 12–25% of the remaining road network; driven 3–5 times during 2000–2020). These data were linked in GIS with (i) physical environmental attributes (elevation, climate, soil properties) and (ii) type and intensity of human-related activities (land uses, settlements and road type). Compared to previous records, our survey showed that the range of S. elaeagnifolium increased by 1750% during the last decades, doubling its main distribution centers and reaching higher elevations. Our study revealed that the presence of S. elaeagnifolium is associated with (i) higher maximum temperatures and precipitation in summer and low precipitation in winter, as well as with (ii) soil disturbance related to agricultural activities, settlements and road networks, thus facilitating its spread mainly at low altitudes. Our study elucidates the current invasion pattern of S. elaeagnifolium and highlights the urgent need for its widespread monitoring, at least in the noninvaded areas in Greece that have been surveyed in this study. Preventative measures and integrative initiatives should be implemented quickly, and urgently incorporated into current agricultural, road network and conservation-management regimes.

Local adaptation to continuous mowing makes the noxious weed Solanum elaeagnifolium a superweed candidate by improving fitness and defense traits

The role of disturbance in accelerating weed growth is well understood. While most studies have focused on soil mediated disturbance, mowing can also impact weed traits. Using silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium), a noxious and invasive weed, through a series of field, laboratory, and greenhouse experiments, we asked whether continuous mowing influences growth and plant defense traits, expressed via different avenues, and whether they cascade into offspring. We found that mowed plants produced significantly less number of fruits, and less number of total seeds per plant, but had higher seed mass, and germinated more and faster. When three herbivores were allowed to feed, tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) caterpillars, gained more mass on seedlings from unmowed plants, while cow pea aphid (Aphis craccivora), a generalist, established better on mowed seedlings; however, leaf trichome density was higher on unmowed seedlings, suggesting possible negative cross talk in defense traits. Texas potato beetle (Leptinotarsa texana), a co-evolved specialist on S. elaeagnifolium, did not show any differential feeding effects. We also found that specific root length, an indicator of nutrient acquisition, was significantly higher in first generation seedlings from mowed plants. Taken together, we show that mowing is a selective pressure that enhances some fitness and defense traits and can contribute to producing superweeds.

Response of invasive Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. seed germination and growth to different conditions and environmental factors

Germination abilities endorsed the successful invasion and establishment regularly of Silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) to be one of the most serious invasive weeds in the world. Therefore, their seed sets were exposed to different thermogradient temperatures and light/dark regimes with and without chemical and physical treatments to determine the germination requirements and conditions. The percentage of seed germination is generally low and reached the optimum at alternating temperature regimes of 20/30 °C (32.8%), followed by 15/25 ℃ (31.5%) and 20/25 ℃ (30.0%), respectively under 12/12 (day/night) within four weeks. While it failed to germinate at constant temperatures. The superlative treatment was achieved from combined heat at 100oC with gibberellic acid at 1000 ppm reached 65% of seed germination over the control. Time exposure and concentration of various chemical and physical promotors have significant effects on germination and breaking their seed dormancy. S. elaeagnifolium seed germination was diminished progressively to ≤ 3000 ppm of NaCl but their growth has more enough resistance. While the range of 8 to 9 pH is preferential to the maximum germination. We concluded that alternating temperatures are basic requirements of S. elaeagnifolium seed germination while it seems a moderate tolerance to salinity and drought stresses. This knowledge will encourage effective methods for management tactics of S. elaeagnifolium.

Effects of plant invaders on rhizosphere microbial attributes depend on plant identity and growth stage

Invasive species are considered a serious threat to local biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Invasive success is often dictated via a plant’s capacity to influence belowground processes. We considered the role of two invasive plants – Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav, a perennial, and Conyza bonariensis L, an annual species – on the rhizosphere soil microbial communities and soil functionality. This study included the cultivation of each of the invasive species and bare soil as a control, in a mesocosm experiment. Rhizosphere soil was collected at three samplings during plant growth. Phospholipid fatty acids and the activities of β-glucosidase, N-acetylglucosaminidase, urease, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and acid phosphomonoesterase were analysed. Soil planted with invasive plants exhibited different enzyme activities and microbial biomasses compared with controls. Also, the plant species had soil enzyme profiles that differed from each other, mostly at the vegetative stage, lesser at the maturity stage, with no difference recorded at the middle of the annual cycle. The differences between plant species were significant for microeukaryotes, actinomycetes and the fungi/bacteria and Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacteria ratios but not significant for total microbial biomass and biomasses of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria and fungi in all samplings. The network of interactions among the microbial community and enzymes was affected by plant presence, plant species as well as plant growth stage. This study suggests that life-cycle stage is important in relation to invasive species influence on belowground processes.

Development of a PCR-based, genetic marker resource for the tomato-like nightshade relative, Solanum lycopersicoidesusing whole genome sequence analysis.

Solanum lycopersicoides is a wild nightshade relative of tomato with known resistance to a wide range of pests and pathogens, as well as tolerance to cold, drought and salt stress. To effectively utilize S. lycopersicoides as a genetic resource in breeding for tomato improvement, the underlying basis of observable traits in the species needs to be understood. Molecular markers are important tools that can unlock the genetic underpinnings of phenotypic variation in wild crop relatives. Unfortunately, DNA markers that are specific to S. lycopersicoides are limited in number, distribution and polymorphism rate. In this study, we developed a suite of S. lycopersicoides-specific SSR and indel markers by sequencing, building and analyzing a draft assembly of the wild nightshade genome. Mapping of a total of 1.45 Gb of S. lycopersicoides contigs against the tomato reference genome assembled a moderate number of contiguous reads into longer scaffolds. Interrogation of the obtained draft yielded SSR information for more than 55,000 loci in S. lycopersicoides for which more than 35,000 primers pairs were designed. Additionally, indel markers were developed based on sequence alignments between S. lycopersicoides and tomato. Synthesis and experimental validation of 345 primer sets resulted in the amplification of single and multilocus targets in S. lycopersicoides and polymorphic loci between S. lycopersicoides and tomato. Cross-species amplification of the 345 markers in tomato, eggplant, silverleaf nightshade and pepper resulted in varying degrees of transferability that ranged from 55 to 83%. The markers reported in this study significantly expands the genetic marker resource for S. lycopersicoides, as well as for related Solanum spp. for applications in genetics and breeding studies.

SILEX: a fast and inexpensive high-quality DNA extraction method suitable for multiple sequencing platforms and recalcitrant plant species

BackgroundThe use of sequencing and genotyping platforms has undergone dramatic improvements, enabling the generation of a wealth of genomic information. Despite this progress, the availability of high-quality genomic DNA (gDNA) in sufficient concentrations is often a main limitation, especially for third-generation sequencing platforms. A variety of DNA extraction methods and commercial kits are available. However, many of these are costly and frequently give either low yield or low-quality DNA, inappropriate for next generation sequencing (NGS) platforms. Here, we describe a fast and inexpensive DNA extraction method (SILEX) applicable to a wide range of plant species and tissues.ResultsSILEX is a high-throughput DNA extraction protocol, based on the standard CTAB method with a DNA silica matrix recovery, which allows obtaining NGS-quality high molecular weight genomic plant DNA free of inhibitory compounds. SILEX was compared with a standard CTAB extraction protocol and a common commercial extraction kit in a variety of species, including recalcitrant ones, from different families. In comparison with the other methods, SILEX yielded DNA in higher concentrations and of higher quality. Manual extraction of 48 samples can be done in 96 min by one person at a cost of 0.12 €/sample of reagents and consumables. Hundreds of tomato gDNA samples obtained with either SILEX or the commercial kit were successfully genotyped with Single Primer Enrichment Technology (SPET) with the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. Furthermore, DNA extracted from Solanum elaeagnifolium using this protocol was assessed by Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), obtaining a suitable size ranges for most sequencing platforms that required high-molecular-weight DNA such as Nanopore or PacBio.ConclusionsA high-throughput, fast and inexpensive DNA extraction protocol was developed and validated for a wide variety of plants and tissues. SILEX offers an easy, scalable, efficient and inexpensive way to extract DNA for various next-generation sequencing applications including SPET and Nanopore among others.

Production of whey protein hydrolysates with angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory activity using three new sources of plant proteases

Abstract Production of functional/bioactive components by whey protein hydrolysis using new plant proteases represents an innovative area in food processing and functional foods. The present study evaluated the potential use of plant crude extracts from Citrus aurantium flowers, trompillo (Solanum elaeagnifolium) berries (TE) and melon (Cucumis melo) fruit (ME) for production of whey protein hydrolysates. The hydrolytic patterns of whey proteins (i.e., β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, serum albumin, and immunoglobulins) at pH 3.5 and 6.5, at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 24 h, were monitored by HPLC and SDS-PAGE analysis. Maximum proteolytic action on the major whey proteins (i.e., β-lactoglobulin and α-lactalbumin) was obtained using ME and TE at pH 6.5. Whey hydrolysates that presented more hydrolysis of β-lactoglobulin showed the highest angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activities (75–90% inhibition). The use of these new plant proteases offers potential in the production of hydrolysates with bioactive properties for the development of functional foods.

Chloroplast genome of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.), a Weed of National Significance in Australia

Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. is a widely distributed weed and recognized as a Weed of National Significance in Australia. This study sequenced the chloroplast (cp) genome of S. elaeagnifolium, which is 155,049 bp in length, including a large single-copy region at 85, 426 bp, a small single-copy region at 18,419 bp and two inverted repeats at 25,602 bp. A total of 130 genes were annotated. The phylogeny among the S. elaeagnifolium and 42 Solanum chloroplast genomes suggested S. elaeagnifolium is closely related to Solanum species from the section of Melongena.

Cross-species transferability of Solanum spp. DNA markers and their application in assessing genetic variation in silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) populations from Texas, USA

AbstractSilverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) is an invasive species that has successfully spread outside its native range to become a noxious weed in 21 states in the United States and 42 countries worldwide. The successful establishment of S. elaeagnifolium outside its native habitat indicates its innate ability to adapt to a multitude of environments. Phenotypic plasticity and/or genetic adaptation have been identified as key mechanisms underlying the adaptive success of invasive species. Whereas phenotypic plasticity allows a species to buffer changes in the environment by altering its phenotypic attributes within the short term, genetic adaptation is responsible for the longer-term adaptability of plants to heterogeneous environments and is dependent on the amount of genetic variation present in the species. In this study, we screened DNA markers that are specific to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and Solanum lycopersicoides Dunal for their interspecific transferability to S. elaeagnifolium and determined the applicability of the transferable DNA markers in assessing the extent of genetic variation in populations from Lubbock, Littlefield, and Blackwell, TX. Of the 187 markers screened, 78 successfully amplified targets in S. elaeagnifolium, indicating the evolutionary conservation of marker loci across S. lycopersicum, S. lycopersicoides, and S. elaeagnifolium, despite their genetic divergence millions of years ago. Genotyping of S. elaeagnifolium populations using 50 DNA markers that consistently amplified clear bands in more than 60% of the plants identified nine polymorphic markers with 0.014 to 0.621 polymorphism information content. Genetic diversity analysis by DNA marker profiling established genetic variation among populations and within individuals of different populations. Unweighted paired group method with arithmetic mean analysis grouped the plants into six clusters that are generally defined by selection pressures unique to each collection site. Results of the study indicate the capacity of S. elaeagnifolium for genetic differentiation in response to variable selection pressures within the same geographic region.

Efficiency of using electric toothbrush as an alternative to a tuning fork for artificial buzz pollination is independent of instrument buzzing frequency

BackgroundBreeding programs and research activities where artificial buzz-pollinations are required to have primarily relied upon using tuning forks, and bumble bees. However, these methods can be expensive, unreliable, and inefficient. To find an alternative, we tested the efficiency of pollen collection using electric toothbrushes and compared it with tuning forks at three vibration frequencies—low, medium, and high and two extraction times at 3 s and 16 s- from two buzz—pollinated species (Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum elaeagnifolium).ResultsOur results show that species, and extraction time significantly influenced pollen extraction, while there were no significant differences for the different vibration frequencies and more importantly, the use of a toothbrush over tuning fork. More pollen was extracted from S. elaeagnifolium when compared to S. lycopersicum, and at longer buzzing time regardless of the instrument used.ConclusionsOur results suggest that electric toothbrushes can be a viable and inexpensive alternative to tuning forks, and regardless of the instrument used and buzzing frequency, length of buzzing time is also critical in pollen extraction.

Assessing the fundamental host-range of Leptinotarsa texana Schaeffer as an essential precursor to biological control risk analysis

The leaf beetle Leptinotarsa texana Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) was introduced to South Africa from the USA to control silverleaf nightshade Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. (Solanales: Solanaceae). Subsequent post-release studies in South Africa found the beetleto beaneffective, host-specific biocontrol agent of S. elaeagnifolium. Leptinotarsa texana has potential for biological control of S. elaeagnifolium in other countries where the weed adversely impacts agricultural production, including Australia. However, L. texana can only be introduced to Australia if risk analysis demonstrates that the agent poses a negligible or very low risk to the environment and economy. We initiated an assessment of the agent’s possible impact in Australia by prioritising non-target species, and conducting quarantine laboratory experiments on 49 Australian native species and economically important plant species and cultivars. We observed feeding damage greater than 50% leaf area removed on plants of 12 Australian Solanum spp. and two crop species (potato Solanum tuberosum L. and eggplant Solanum melongena L.). Leptinotarsa texana successfully developed from first instar larva to adult on 15 Australian Solanum spp. and two crop species (a single eggplant cultivar and four potato cultivars). When given a choice of S. elaeagnifolium and 10 Australian Solanum spp. in a large cage experiment, L. texana oviposited on S. elaeagnifolium and three of the non-target Australian Solanum spp. We consider possible reasons why potato was not found to be within the beetle’s fundamental host-range in previous host-specificity experiments, and argue there are important differences between potato cultivars that have implications for future host-specificity testing. We outline priorities for further risk analysis, and criteria for assessing the feasibility of these approaches in different contexts.

Characterization of weeds and rotational crops as alternative hosts of Spongospora subterranea, the causal agent of powdery scab in Israel

Alternative hosts of Spongospora subterranea may allow multiplication and survival of the pathogen over time; thus, host range is important from an epidemiological aspect. Weeds and rotational crops, such as wheat and barley, were sampled from potato fields with a history of powdery scab (PS) and examined for the presence of S. subterranea by root staining followed by microscopic observations and by qPCR analysis after DNA extraction. The pathogen was detected in plants of 16 weed species from eight families and in volunteer plants of potato and wheat. The ability of the pathogen to infect weeds and rotational crops was further examined by artificial inoculations with sporosori in pot experiments. Successful inoculations occurred with 13 weed species from eight families and with 12 rotational crops from five families. The findings of this study indicate a wide host range in Israel; the families Malvaceae and Zygophyllaceae and the following species are reported for the first time as S. subterranea hosts: Solanum elaeagnifolium, Triticum aestivum, Cynodon dactylon, Phalaris paradoxa, Phalaris minor, Setaria verticillata, Rostaria cristata, Sinapis nigra, Arachis hypogaea, Medicago sativa, Astragalus hauraensis, Amaranthus albus, Chenopodium murale, Chenopodium opulifolium, Salsola soda, Malva nicaeensis, Chrysanthemum segetum, Verbesina encelioides, Ammi majus and Tribulus terrestris. Controlling weeds and avoiding the relevant rotational crops observed to be S. subterranea‐positive and thus potential hosts, should be taken into consideration in the management of PS, to reduce pathogen inoculum build‐up.

Pesticidal activity of Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav. Leaves against nematodes and perennial weeds

Sliver nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.) an invasive weed species in cultivated lands of Egypt threatens native and crop species. The allelopathic potential of this weed was assessed against nematode and weeds. The aqueous extracts of Sliver nightshade leaves and seeds exhibited strong impacts in root knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita galls, egg-masses, female's numbers and juveniles' number. The incorporate dried leaves of S. elaeagnifolium with soil positively affected M. incognita infection and enhanced Eggplant Solanum melongena cv. white Balady growth traits under the greenhouse proportional to concentration. The allelopathy of aqueous extracts negatively influenced Convolvulus arvensis, Polypogon monspeliensis, Phalaris minor and Triticum aestivum germination and growth. Bioassay and spectroscopic instruments guided to four active flavonoids; hydroxyl −3-methoxyflavone, quercetin, kaempferol 3β-D-(6”-O-cis-cinnamoyl glucoside) and chlorogenic acid on Convolvulus arvensis and Arabidopsis thaliana weeds total biomass. These findings proved the importance of invasive weeds allelochemicals to be considered as a source of natural pesticides into agricultural systems.

Validation of an HPLC-DAD method for the determination of plant phenolics

A selective, sensitive and precise reversed phase HPLC-DAD method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of six phenolic acids in the aqueous extract and their hydrolyzed forms prepared from Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav., Solanaceae, Ampelocissus acapulcensis (Kunth) Planch., Vitaceae, or Brosimum alicastrum Sw., Moraceae. The new method showed good linearity (r > 0.999) in a relatively wide concentration range (0.5–100 mg/l). The limits of detection and quantification for the compounds were in the range of 0.097–0.467 mg/l and 0.097–0.496 mg/l, respectively. The recoveries of compounds were calculated in three different concentrations in the range of 88.07–109.17% and matrix effect was less than 5% for all phenolic acids. Finally, our developed HPLC method is simple, reliable and successfully applied to identify and quantify the phenolic acids in complex aqueous extracts from medicinal species, that can be useful for the analysis of infusions that people consume in folk medicine.

Genetic diversity of Solanum elaeagnifolium, an invasive problematic weed in Jordan

SummarySolanum elaeagnifolium (silverleaf nightshade) is a problematic weed that is common in Jordan and difficult to control. The weed exhibits distinct morphological variations in growth habit, leaf shape, leaf margins, flower colour and presence or absence of spines between individuals among and within populations suggesting genetic differences. Genetic variations among 61 samples of S. elaeagnifolium collected from heavily infested sites in the central Jordan Valley were investigated using six simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and eight amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer combinations. Results showed that 111 out of 675 AFLP bands were polymorphic generating polymorphism information content (PIC) of 38.0%, while 23 SSR polymorphic alleles were detected generating a PIC of 30.8%. Phylogenetic analysis using RaxML software identified four major clades with a clear clustering of the samples with their collection sites. Genetic analysis using both techniques revealed high level of genetic diversity among S. elaeagnifolium samples collected from a small geographical area indicating that a range of genetic diversity may be detected in weed populations across the country that may complicate its management.

Branched broomrape (Orobanche ramosa L.) control in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) by trap crops and other plant species in rotation

Forty-four plant species of 13 families were tested as trap plants reducing Orobanche ramosa L. infestation on tomato under glasshouse conditions. Many species were parasitized but Orobanche shoot number and dry weight were varied. Petroselinum sativum Hoffm and Trifolium alexandrinum L. were the most infested and Origanum syriacum L. and Citrullus vulgaris Schard. the least. Tomato growth was reduced after many tested species and none prevented parasite infection. Parasite shoot number was the highest on tomato followed Anethum graveolens L., C. vulgaris, Cucumis melo var. flexuosus L., Pimpinella anisum L., Sesamum indicum L., Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav., Sorghum vulgare Pers., Spinacia oleracea L., and T. alexandrinum and the lowest after Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck, Brassica rapa L. var. rapa, Capsicum annuum L., Capsicum frutescens L., Cicer arietinum L., Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad., Cucurbita maxima Duch., Cuminum cyminum L., Hordeum vulgare L., Linum usitatissimum L., Spinacia oleracea L. cv. Epinard greant and Vigna sinensis (L.) Savi. Parasite dry weight per shoot was the lowest on tomato grown after C. arietinum, C. frutescens, Cucumis melo L., Hibiscus sabdariffa L., P. anisum and T. alexandrinum but the highest after Cichorium endivia L. var. crispum Lam., Peganum harmala L., S. oleracea cv. Epinard greant, and Zea mays L. Tomato shoot dry weight increased by 126% over parasite-free control following Ecballium elaterium (L.) A. Rich. and parasite infestation reduced by 56% of the Orobanche-infested control. Considering the average of two experiments, high tomato growth and best parasite control (73% reduction) were obtained after V. sinensis. H. sabdariffa, H. vulgare, and S. vulgare reduced both Orobanche infestation and tomato growth.