Gilo Research Articles

Comparative Analysis of the Nutrient and Anti-Nutrient Compositions of Five Different African Eggplants.

Five distinct African eggplants were used in the study to determine their nutritional and anti-nutrient contents which include: Solanum aethiopica, Solanum gilo, Solanum inacnum, Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum melomgena. These analyses were carried using standard methods. The result indicated that S. inacnum has the highest proximate composition with calorific value of 306.45 kcal, S. gilo recorded the lowest carbohydrate value (9.28%). S. aethiopica, had the lowest proximate values but recorded the most value of crude fibre (22.00 ± 0.02%). S. macrocarpon has a low crude protein of 10.47% and a higher carbohydrate of 40.74 while S. melomgena has the highest carbohydrate and moisture of 42.98 and 84.58% respectively. There is no significant difference (p≤0.5) between the values obtained for all the minerals, in all the eggplants. The anti-nutrient analysis showed that S. gilo has the highest oxalate (6.01 ± 0.02mg/g). S. macrocarpon has a lower saponin (14.05 ± 0.02), hydrocyanic acid (4.34 ± 0.02) and phenol (1.45 ± 0.0l). S. melongena has the lowest tannin of 1.01 ± 0.01 but has the highest nitrate of 1.03 ± 0.01 µg/g. This shows that the eggplant, S. incanum, has the highest nutrient composition and can be eaten regularly for health benefits.

Investigating Phenotypic Diversity in a Germplasm Collection of Scarlet Eggplant under Mediterranean Conditions

This study aimed to determine phenotypic diversity in the germplasm collection of Solanum aethiopicum, also known as scarlet eggplant, under Mediterranean conditions. Two different experiments were established in which morphological and valuable agronomic traits were employed to measure diversity among 57 and 55 accessions, respectively. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse and open field, and descriptors designated by the European Cooperative Program for Plant Genetic Resources (ECPGR) and the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) were used to measure the plants and fruits. The results from descriptive statistics on quantitative traits data of plants and fruits show a great variation among accessions of Solanum aethiopicum. Multiple correlation analysis in the two distinct experiments shows that the highly correlated variables/descriptors represented fruit quantitative traits. Finally, results from principal component analysis (PCA) confirm that the overall differences observed in the germplasm collection of Solanum aethiopicum were mainly due to fruit quantitative traits, which are decisive for phenotypic characterization of this eggplant.

Empirical Analysis of African Aubergine (Solanum gilo) – Marketing and Income Disparity among Traders in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

African Aubergine is an indigenous tropical crop cultivated in Nigeria. Agricultural marketing creates incentives that accelerate the promotion of further production and consumption of harvested produce. Therefore, this study analysed African Aubergine marketing and income disparity among traders in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Primary data collected via multistage sampling from ninety-five (95) respondents was analysed using descriptive statistics, marketing margin and efficiency analysis, Ordinary Least Square regression and Gini Coefficient index. The results show that the mean age, years spent in school, household size, trading experience and quantity of bags sold were 37 years, 8 years, 7 people, 9 years and 8 bags per month, respectively. The estimated marketing margin and efficiency index were ₦1,250 and 0.36, respectively. The estimated coefficients of Ordinary Least Square regression (R2) were 0.773. Thus, the variables (marketing experience, cost price, quantity sold and marketing cost) in the regression model accounted for 77% of the variation in the marketing margin of African Aubergine traders in the study area. The estimated Gini Coefficient was 0.59, indicating a moderate level of income disparity (inequality) in the sales income of the respondents. Several marketing constraints were observed in the study area. Therefore, this study recommends improved credit access and market information dissemination, commodity cost subsidisation, storage technology adoption, market infrastructure development and interventions, commodity price control and policy modification that regulates market activities.

Causal agents of Stemphylium-induced foliar diseases of tomatoes and other Solanaceae hosts in Brazil.

An extensive survey was done to clarify the prevalent Stemphylium species on Solanaceae plants across Brazil, and their host ranges. Eighty nine (89) Stemphylium isolates were obtained from naturally infected tomatoes as well as S. paniculatum, potato, eggplant, scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum var. gilo), Physalis angulata, and Capsicum species. Phylogenetic analyses encompassing the ITS-5.8S rDNA and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase genomic regions placed the isolates into two distinct groupings with either Stemphylium lycopersici or S. solani. Isolates of S. lycopersici (n=81) were obtained infecting tomato, potato, eggplant, S. paniculatum, and P. angulata. Isolates of S. solani (n=8) were detected in natural association with scarlet eggplant and tomato. Two isolates of S. lycopersici displayed a wide experimental host range in greenhouse bioassays, infecting accessions of 12 out of 18 species. Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae) was the only experimental host outside the Solanaceae family.

Effect of Cooking methods on Total Phenolics and Antioxidant activity of selected wild Edible plants

The objective of this assessment was to investigate how different cooking techniques, such as boiling and microwave cooking, impact the levels of total phenolics and antioxidant activity in commonly consumed plants like Perilla ocymoides, Clerodendrum colebrookeanum, Solanum gilo, Solanum kurzii, and Potentilla lineata, prevalent in the North-Eastern region of India. To measure the antioxidant properties of these plants, various methods were employed, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging ability, reducing power capacity, and the assessment of total phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol contents. The analysis revealed that the total phenolic content (TPC) of fresh vegetables ranged from 77.47 to 797.68mg/100g (expressed as gallic acid equivalent) on a dry weight basis. The total antioxidant capacity of fresh plants, measured as the percentage of inhibition, varied between 7.62% and 83.44% for DPPH, and 12.22% to 79.46% for ABTS. Boiling emerged as the cooking method causing the greatest reduction in TPC, resulting in a decline ranging from 10.90% in P. lineata up to 25.66% in S. kurzii when calculated on a dry weight basis. Conversely, microwave cooking led to an enhancement in TPC, with an increase ranging from 2.20% to 11.80%. Furthermore, the impact of boiling on DPPH radical scavenging activities was notable, causing a decrease between 8.44% and 43.30%, and for ABTS radical scavenging activities, the reduction ranged from 10.24% to 34.45%. In contrast, microwave cooking had a positive effect on DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, increasing them by 9.39% to 46.32%, and 8.49% to 46.39%, respectively, across the studied plants. In conclusion, the results suggest that microwave cooking stands out as the optimal method for preserving and even increasing the concentration of polyphenols and antioxidants in these plants. Conversely, boiling exhibited the least desirable outcomes in terms of retaining these beneficial components.

Pioneering anther culture-based embryogenesis in Solanum aethiopicum L.

This study aimed to establish a compelling approach for inducing embryogenesis through in vitro anther culture in Scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.), the most consumed and popular eggplant among indigenous vegetables on the African continent. While in vitro androgenesis has been favorably employed in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) breeding, there has been no attempt to induce embryogenesis in a large germplasm of its relative, Solanum aethiopicum. In two distinct experiments, the largest germplasm collection of Solanum aethiopicum gr. Gilo was assessed for embryogenesis induction using C medium supplemented with different concentrations of hormones. In the first experiment, callus induction was successful with an overall rate of 36.6 calli/100 anthers, but embryo formation was unsuccessful. Statistical analysis revealed a dependency of the rate of callus induction on accessions. In the second experiment, only four selected accessions of Solanum aethiopicum gr. Gilo were used and compared to two Turkish eggplant genotypes of Solanum melongena in two distinct treatments. The results showed that in the first treatment (I), only the accession GKE12 had a satisfactory outcome with a rate of embryo formation of 0.82/100 anthers and 0.41/100 anthers corresponding to the rate of developed embryos. In the second treatment (II), only controls, which were Adana and Kemer cultivars of Solanum melongena formed embryos with a rate of 7.26/100 anthers and 1.15/100 anthers, respectively. The obtained embryo/seedling of Solanum aethiopicum gr. Gilo was found to be diploid. Overall, this study demonstrated that with the right combinations of hormones, it is possible to induce embryogenesis and produce a diploid of Solanum aethiopicum, the world’s second most popular cultivated eggplant after brinjal. These findings could potentially contribute to the breeding of eggplants for enhanced genetic variation and resistance.

Morphological trait evolution inSolanum(Solanaceae): Evolutionary lability of key taxonomic characters

AbstractSolanumis one of the world's largest and economically most important plant genera, including 1245 currently accepted species and several major and minor crops (e.g., tomato, potato, brinjal eggplant, scarlet eggplant, Gboma eggplant, lulo, and pepino). Here we provide an overview of the evolution of 25 key morphological traits for the major and minor clades of this giant genus based on stochastic mapping using a well‐sampled recently published phylogeny ofSolanum. The most evolutionarily labile traits (showing >100 transitions across the genus) relate to plant structure (growth form and sympodial unit structure), herbivore defence (glandular trichomes), pollination (corolla shape and colour), and dispersal (fruit colour). Ten further traits show evolutionary lability with 50–100 transitions across the genus (e.g., specialised underground organs, trichome structure, leaf type, inflorescence position and branching, stamen heteromorphism). Our results reveal a number of highly convergent traits inSolanum, including tubers, rhizomes, simple leaves, yellow corollas, heteromorphic anthers, dioecy, and dry fruits, and some unexpected pathways of trait evolution that could be explored in future studies. We show that informally named clades ofSolanumcan be morphologically defined by trait combinations providing a tool for identification and enabling predictive phylogenetic placement of unsampled species.

Silicon in the form of nanosilica mitigates P toxicity in scarlet eggplant

Intensive fertilization of vegetables can promote phosphorus (P) toxicity. However, it can be reversed using silicon (Si), although there is a lack of research clarifying its mechanisms of action. This research aims to study the damage caused by P toxicity to scarlet eggplant plants and whether Si can mitigate this toxicity. We evaluated the nutritional and physiological aspects of plants. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design of two nutritional levels of adequate P (2 mmol L−1 of P) and toxic/excess P (8 to 13 mmol L−1 of P) combined with the absence or presence of nanosilica (2 mmol L−1 Si) in a nutrient solution. There were six replications. The excess P in the nutrient solution caused damage to scarlet eggplant growth due to nutritional losses and oxidative stress. We found that P toxicity can be mitigated by supplying Si, which decreases P uptake by 13%, improves C:N homeostasis, and increases iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) use efficiency by 21%, 10%, and 12%, respectively. At the same time, it decreases oxidative stress and electrolyte leakage by 18% and increases antioxidant compounds (phenols and ascorbic acid by 13% and 50%, respectively), and decreases photosynthetic efficiency and plant growth by 12% (by increasing 23% and 25% of shoot and root dry mass, respectively). These findings allow us to explain the different Si mechanisms used to reverse the damage caused by P toxicity to plants.

Avaliação da quitosana no controle in vitro de Colletotrichum tamarilloi e antracnose em frutos de jiló

ABSTRACT Scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum var. gilo) is a Solanaceae with an appreciated peculiar bitter taste, which plays a significant role in family farming in Brazil. Fruit anthracnose is the main pre- and postharvest disease that affects scarlet eggplant in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chitosan-based coating on in vitro inhibition of Colletotrichum tamarilloi and anthracnose control of scarlet eggplant fruits. Chitosan was dissolved in a 2% citric acid solution at 40°C and then homogenized with potato dextrose agar (PDA), and poured into Petri dishes, as follows: 1) PDA + 0.1% chitosan, 2) PDA + 0.2% chitosan, 3) PDA + 0.3% chitosan, 4) PDA + 0.4% chitosan, and 5) pure PDA as control. Discs of 5 mm diameter of pure fungus culture were placed on the center of the culture medium in the plates. The plates were then maintained in BOD at 25°C and 12-h photoperiod for 10 days. Colony characteristics, mycelial growth rate, and mycelial growth inhibition were evaluated. Afterward, the effect of chitosan coating was evaluated in fruit inoculated or not with C. tamarilloi. The treatments were: T1) uncoated and injured uninoculated fruits, T2) uncoated and inoculated fruit, T3) fruits coated with 0.1% chitosan and inoculated, T4) fruits coated with 0.2% chitosan and inoculated, and T5) fruits coated with chitosan at 0.3% and inoculated. For inoculation, 15 μL of a conidial suspension (2 x 105 conidia/mL) were deposited on an injury caused by a needle, and the fruits were coated by immersion into the different concentrations of chitosan gel. Fruits were placed on expanded polystyrene trays. Fresh weight loss, the mean incidence of disease, and lesion diameter were measured. All concentrations of chitosan reduced the in vitro growth of C. tamarilloi. The treatment T4 reduced the severity of anthracnose but did not prevent its incidence in scarlet eggplant fruits.

Mathematical models in determining leaf area in eggplant and scarlet eggplant seedlings

The objective of this study was to obtain the best mathematical equation that estimates the leaf area seedlings of eggplant (Solanum melongena) and scarlet eggplant (Solanum gilo Raddi) through the linear dimensions of the leaves. Leaves of seedlings produced in a protected environment in the horticulture sector of the Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo – Campus Itapina, Colatina, in the Northwest region of the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, were used. At 45 days after sowing, the length (L) along the midrib and the maximum width (W) of the leaf blade were determined, the product of the multiplication between the length and width (LW) and the observed leaf area (OLA). With the measurements in hand, the first degree linear model equations were obtained, potencyand its respective coefficient of determination. it was foundby analysis of covariance the possible adequacy of only one model to meet the two species. The models were validated, through a sample of leaves intended for this purpose, where their values of L, W and LW were substituted in the modeling equations, obtaining the estimated leaf area (ELA). A simple linear equation was fitted ELA and OLA. The hypotheses H0: β0 = 0 versus Ha: β0 ≠ 0 and H0: β1 = 1 versus Ha: β1 ≠ 1 were tested by Student's t test at 5% probability. The mean absolute error (MAE) and the root mean square error (RMSE) were also determined for all equations. The power () and exponential () model equations better predicted the area of eggplant and scarlet eggplant leaves, being the most recommended for these species.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antiproliferative Actions of Solanum gilo Raddi (Solanaceae) Fruit Extract on Breast Tissues.

Background Menopause is a normal event characterized by a drop in estrogen's production, leading to numerous symptoms. To face these later, women rely on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which alleviates numerous menopausal symptoms. Unfortunately, long-term exposure to estrogens is associated with an increase in endometrial and breast cancers. This study dealt with the evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antiproliferative effects of Solanum gilo Raddi, a plant used in folk medicine to treat tumors in Cameroon. Materials and Methods The in vitro antiproliferative effect of S. gilo fruit extract was investigated through the well-characterized MTT assay in one normal and three cancerous breast cells. For the in vivo study, one normal group (NOR) of rats received distilled water (vehicle), and five other groups (n = 6) were treated either with tamoxifen (3.3 mg/kg BW) as standard or with the vehicle (negative control) or S. gilo fruit hydroethanolic extract (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg BW). The treatments were administered concomitantly with the E2V to induce breast hyperplasia for 16 weeks, and the endpoints were the histopathology of the mammary glands and some biochemical parameters. Results The S. gilo extract significantly inhibited human (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and rodent (4T1) breast carcinoma cell growth. Rats exposed only to E2V presented atypical mammary hyperplasia compared to the normal parenchyma observed in normal rats. While rats treated with S. gilo extract at the dose of 125 mg/kg BW showed a microarchitecture of mammary glands with moderate hyperplasia, the higher doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) inhibited mammary gland hyperplasia compared to the E2V group. Conclusion S. gilo fruit extract has antiproliferative constituents that could help to fight against estrogen-dependent breast cancer, thanks to their ability to scavenge free radicals, as exhibited in this study.

The combined effect of water management and environmental control on the planting of two varieties of garden egg in a partially shaded greenhouse: an energy and yield indicator analysis

The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of partially shaded solar greenhouse and water management on the growth and bioactive yield of garden eggs under micro climate management. For this reason, two local varieties of garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum and Solanum gilo) were planted in a partially shaded natural convention greenhouse at Umudike South Eastern Nigeria and nurtured for four months from June to September before harvest. The plants were supplied water at 50, 70 and 100% field capacity with the internal condition of the greenhouse naturally controlled by the ambient condition. The evaluation parameters were the average monthly heat load flux, ventilation flux, transpiration rate, plant growth parameters, and phytochemicals and anti-oxidants characteristics of the fruits from the garden egg in comparison with the open field plantation. Thermal analysis showed that an increase in temperature and lower relative humidity increases the evapotranspiration rate in the greenhouse. The average sensible and latent heat load ranged from 10.9 to 121.3 W/m2 and 21.94 to 63.56 W/m2 respectively. In contrast, the average monthly ventilation flux which was deduced as a function of heat load ranged from 5.307 × 10−3 to 8.053 × 10−3 m3/m2.s. While water management and greenhouse had negative effects on most of the growth parameters of the garden egg, they significantly increased the antioxidant contents in the garden egg, particularly total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents of fruits which is a quality needed for a healthy body. This shows that climatic control and water management influence garden egg quality more than the growth parameters. The data from this study will enhance understanding of the influence of water stress on garden egg yield under controlled environmental conditions, which might be important in providing the needed nutrient for healthy body.

New Insight on the Bioactivity of Solanum aethiopicum Linn. Growing in Basilicata Region (Italy): Phytochemical Characterization, Liposomal Incorporation, and Antioxidant Effects

Food extract’s biological effect and its improvement using nanotechnologies is one of the challenges of the last and the future decades; for this reason, the antioxidant effect of scarlet eggplant extract liposomal incorporation was investigated. Scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum L.) is a member of the Solanaceae family, and it is one of the most consumed vegetables in tropical Africa and south of Italy. This study investigated the antioxidant activity and the phytochemical composition of S. aethiopicum grown in the Basilicata Region for the first time. The whole fruit, peel, and pulp were subjected to ethanolic exhaustive maceration extraction, and all extracts were investigated. The HPLC-DAD analysis revealed the presence of ten phenolic compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanones, flavanols, and four carotenoids (one xanthophyll and three carotenes). The peel extract was the most promising, active, and the richest in specialized metabolites; hence, it was tested on HepG2 cell lines and incorporated into liposomes. The nanoincorporation enhanced the peel extract’s antioxidant activity, resulting in a reduction of the concentration used. Furthermore, the extract improved the expression of endogenous antioxidants, such as ABCG2, CAT, and NQO1, presumably through the Nrf2 pathway.

A potential rearing method to optimize survival and reproduction of Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guen., 1854) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae)

The aim of this study was to develop a simple and efficient laboratory rearing method for Neoleucinodes elegantalis (Guen., 1854) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). To this end, seven bioassays were performed to evaluate the survival and reproductive characteristics of N. elegantalis for rearing populations in the laboratory with artificial and natural fruits. Neoleucinodes elegantalis was affected by the size and color of artificial fruits and the number of couples per cage. It was found that larvae fed with natural fruits of Solanum gilo had a greater survival rate and larval and pupal duration. Pupal survival rate did not differ between treatments. However, pupae of larvae fed S. gilo and S. melongena had the highest weights in both males and females. The highest percentage of fully formed adults was observed in the S. gilo treatment. The sex ratio did not differ between treatments, and the increase in larvae per fruit decreased larval survival, which was not observed in pupae. The results obtained in this study are significant because they reveal biological, ecological, and behavioral aspects of N. elengantalis and contribute to the expansion of techniques for mass rearing of this insect pest in the laboratory, which is essential for several other entomological studies.

Aspergillus niger as a Biological Input for Improving Vegetable Seedling Production.

This study evaluated the potential of Aspergillus niger as an inoculant for growth promotion of vegetable seedlings. Seven vegetable species were evaluated in independent experiments carried out in 22 + 1 factorial schemes, with two doses of conidia (102 and 106 per plant) applied in two inoculation methods (seed treatment and in-furrow granular application), plus an uninoculated control. Experiments were carried out in a greenhouse. Growth parameters evaluated were shoot length, stem diameter, root volume, total root length, shoot and root fresh mass, shoot and root dry mass, and total dry mass. Regardless of the dose and inoculation method, seedlings inoculated with A. niger showed higher growth than uninoculated ones for all crops. The highest relative increase promoted by the fungus was observed for aboveground parts, increasing the production of shoot fresh mass of lettuce (61%), kale (40%), scarlet eggplant (101%), watermelon (38%), melon (16%), pepper (92%), and tomato (42%). Aspergillus niger inoculation also increased seedling root growth of lettuce, pepper, scarlet eggplant, watermelon, and tomato. This research shows that A. niger boosts the growth of all analyzed vegetables, appearing as a promising bio-input for vegetable seedling production.

Field assessment of the potentials of some plant-derived insecticide against damage caused by Leucinodes orbonalis on eggplant (Solanum gilo) at Umudike, Nigeria

The efficacy of plant-derived insecticides was compared with a synthetic insecticide, Lambda-cyhalothrin over two cropping seasons (2015 and 2016) against Leucinodes orbonalis, the eggplant fruit and shoot borer (EFSB) infesting eggplant, Solanum gilo. The plant materials included oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) bunch ash, soursop (Annona muricata) seeds, and goat weed (Ageratum conyzoides) leaves. These plant materials were formulated into aqueous extracts of 150 g/L (w/v), while Lambda-cyhalothrin was applied at the rate of 5 mL/L (v/v). The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). There were 5 treatments with 3 replications applied on 2 cultivars of eggplants (Afufa Ukwu and Ngwa Large). Percentage fruit damage varied significantly (P< 0.05) with various treatments. The lowest mean percentage fruit damage was observed in the plot treated with Lambda-cyhalothrin (20.38%), followed by goat weed (29.03%), soursop (40.69%), palm bunch ash (43.30%) and the control (67.08%) for 2015 and 2016. Other parameters measured followed the same trend. Mean yield was significantly affected by the treatments. The highest mean yield was obtained from the plots treated with Lambda-cyhalothrin (12,346.6 g), followed by plots treated with goat weed (11,295.0 g), soursop (9877.2 g), palm bunch ash (8729.4 g) and control was the least (6583.0 g). Among the plant extracts, A. conyzoides that recorded low mean percentage damage had very high yield. Therefore, it can be used as insecticides in the control of EFSB.

Drop spectrum in backpack sprayers in scarlet eggplant (Solanum aethiopicum)

The use of manual backpack sprayers is common on rural properties for the application of phytosanitary products with different types of nozzles. The aim of the study was to evaluate the drop spectrum in the spray solution on scarlet eggplant crop. The study was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with a 2x3 factorial scheme, consisting of two working pressures 15 and 45 Psi, and three spray nozzles with four blocks. For the acquisition of information, hydrosensitive papers were used, which later had their images digitized and analyzed by the Gotas® software. The following values were extracted: number of drops, dispersion, applied volume, coverage and volumetric mean diameter (VMD). Then, the values found were subjected to analysis of variance and, according to significance, were compared by Tukey test at 5% probability level. For each factor, separately, the coefficients of variation were analyzed and then an analysis of the correlation between these factors was performed. The highest pressure produced the greatest number of drops and application coverage. Coverage was also the best at this pressure, which led to the highest coverage percentage.

Effect of Solanum gilo leaf extract on some haematological indices of albino Wistar rats

Solanum gilo (eggplant) is an edible vegetable whose leaf is reported to possess numerous medicinal properties due to its rich constituents. Against this backdrop, there is possibility that its consumption may have effect on haematological indices. Therefore this research sought to assess the effect of Solanum gilo leaf diet on some haemotological indices of albino wistar rats. About twenty four (24) albino wistar rats weighing between 120-150mg were randomly assigned into four groups of six animals each. Each rat was allowed to drinking water ad labitum. Control group received normal rodent chow while group 2 was fed 5% Solanum gilo diet. Group 3 was fed 10% Solanum gilo diet and group 4 received 20% Solanum gilo diet. The different diets were prepared by mixing different proportions of ground S. gilo leaves with rodent chow. Automated blood cell analyzer (Model PCE 210, Japan) was used for analysis of haematological parameters. Preliminary study on its proximate composition, showed the appreciable presence of crude fat, protein, fibre and carbohydrate. Consumption of S. gilo caused significant improvement in some blood parameters; notably packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) and platelet counts. Hence, eggplant is a nutritious vegetable with healing, the therapeutic and immunity properties. If exploited in human diet has the potentials of improving quality of life.

Effect of Solanum gilo leaf extract on some haematological indices of albino Wistar rats

Effect of Solanum gilo leaf extract on some haematological indices of albino Wistar rats

Agricultural wastes incorporated to the substrate in the production of scarlet eggplant seedlings

Agricultural wastes incorporated to the substrate in the production of scarlet eggplant seedlings