Solanum Nigrum Research Articles

Physiological and Histopathological Evaluation of the effect of Ethyl Caffeate on Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) Induced Liver Injury in Rats

The objective of the present work is to analyze the physiological and histopathological changes observed due to the effect of Ethyl caffeate, a polyphenol compound present in Solanum Nigrum fruits on CCl4 induced liver injury in male albino wistar rats. Thirty rats were used (5 groups, 6 animals per group). Group I is normal control given carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Group II is induction control given Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), Group III (Standard control, Silymarin + CCl4), Group IV (Ethyl caffeate + CCl4) and Group V (Ethyl caffeate alone). At the end of 6 weeks, rats were sacrificed, physiological parameters (body weight, liver weight) were measured and histopathological observation of liver tissues was performed. From the physiological parameter results, body weight of group IV rats were increased (p< 0.05) compared to group II. Enlargement of liver (hepatomegaly) is caused by CCl4 injury in group II (liver weight is increased), while the liver weight was reduced to near normal by ethyl caffeate treatment in group IV. Histolpathological analysis of Ethyl caffeate treated rats (group IV) showed less necrosis with mild periportal inflammation compared to group II rats. The findings of this work suggest that ethyl caffeate possess protective effect against liver injury against CCl4 based on the analysis of physiological and histopathological studies.

Nematicidal Characterization of Solanum nigrum and Mentha arvensis Leaf Extracts Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a Model Organism.

Considering foremost global issues instigated by parasitic nematodes, Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum) and Mentha arvensis (M. arvensis) nematicidal potential at the gene level has been explored herein. Methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, n-hexane, and distilled water were used for extract preparation. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was used as the model organism. Nematicidal and anti-egg hatching assays, fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative real-time PCR were done. S. nigrum chloroform (LD50 = 1.21 mg/mL) and M. arvensis methanol (LD50 = 2.47 mg/mL) extracts exhibited excellent nematicidal potential. Both plants showed potent anti-egg hatching activity (1 mg/mL). S. nigrum methanol and M. arvensis ethyl acetate extracts showed high apoptotic effect in muscles, gonads, and uterus (eggs). Stress genes, that is, gst-4, hsp-16.2, and gpdh-1 were highly expressed in affected C. elegans (treated with S. nigrum and M. arvensis leaf extracts) when compared with normal C. elegans. Phytochemicals and bioactive compounds present in plants may be the major cause of their excellent nematicidal potential, which further confirmed that both plants could be an alternative candidate(s) for novel broad-scale anthelmintic drug(s).

Effect of Lactic Acid Fermentation on Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant Capacity, Sensory Acceptability and Microbial Safety of African Black Nightshade and African Spider Plant Vegetables

Traditional preparation of African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) such as African black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and African spiderplant (Cleome gynandra) involves either boiling and discarding the first water or lengthy boiling. Fermentation is considered a better alternative processing technique due to the enhanced retention of phytochemical contents and sensory properties. However, little is known about the impact of lactic acid fermentation on the phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, sensory acceptability and microbial safety of the African black nightshade and African spiderplant. This study aimed to ferment AIVs using combined starter cultures (Lactobacillus fermentum and Lactococcus lactis) and further determine their effect on the phytochemical content (phenolic compounds and flavonoids), antioxidant capacity, sensory acceptability and microbial safety of the vegetables. There was a marked increase in phenol and flavonoid contents in all fermented vegetables (p < 0.05). The highest phenol content was 228.8 mg/g GAE (gallic acid equivalent) in the starter-culture-inoculated African black nightshade, while flavonoid content was 10.6 mg/g QE (quercetin equivalent) in the same. Starter-culture-inoculated AIVs presented significantly higher antioxidant capacity with a 60–80% radical scavenging activity compared to levels in uninoculated batches (p < 0.05). Fermented vegetables were more liked than the boiled vegetables and were microbiologically safe. In conclusion, lactic fermentation of AIVs increased phytochemical contents (phenolic compounds and flavonoids), maintained antioxidant capacity and improved product safety and sensory acceptability. Therefore, fermentation and consumption of the African indigenous vegetables are to be encouraged.

Synergistic Combination of the Total Steroidal Saponins from the Berries of Black Nightshade and Adriamycin to Overcome Leukemia Multidrug Resistance.

The berries of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) are consumed as a favorite fruit in some regions and have been reported to possess a range of biological activities. Previous studies have found that the steroidal saponins from the berries of S. nigrum (SN) showed potential antileukemic activity, although the underlying mechanism remains to be revealed. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of SN in combination with adriamycin to reverse leukemia multidrug resistance in vivo and in vitro. The results indicated that the combination of SN and adriamycin displayed enhanced suppression ability both in vitro and in vivo by the modulation of drug efflux proteins. Further study revealed that SN and adriamycin co-treatment induced cell apoptosis in K562/ADR cells through caspase pathways and autophagy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathway. This study provides a new prospect of the berries of black nightshade in multidrug resistance therapy of cancer.

Foliar application of lanthanum promotes growth and phytoremediation potential Solanum nigrum L

The hormetic effect of rare earth elements (REEs) has been found in a variety of crops and has been promoting crop growth for decades. Spraying leaves with REEs can enhance the endocytosis of plant roots. The non-selectivity of endocytosis is conducive to the direct absorption of environmental pollutants. The hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum L. (S. nigrum), as a plant with high biomass and heavy metal tolerance, is a good candidate for phytoremediation. La(III), as a typical light REE, also has an obvious hormetic effect on S. nigrum. At 10 μM La(III), the biomass of S. nigrum reached the maximum, which was 89% greater than the control, and La(III) concentration was much lower than the previously reported optimum of 56 μM for general plants. In the present study, enhanced endocytosis after foliar spraying of La(III) was firstly observed in the root cell of hyperaccumulation plants, and La(III) increased the biomass of S. nigrum by improving the photosynthetic system, and promoting nutrient uptake and root development. The antioxidant defense system improved by La(III) contributed to the tolerance of S. nigrum to heavy metals. Applying a reasonable range of La(III) is beneficial to improving S. nigrum growth and tolerance of heavy metals. Compared with spraying deionized water, the translocation factor and bioaccumulation factor value of S. nigrum to cadmium increased by 15% and 21% respectively when spraying 10 μM La(III). Our findings provide a reference for improving hyperaccumulator plant growth and biomass, which improves phytoremediation efficiency.

Micropropagation decreases pollen and seed viabilities of two Solanum nigrum clonal genotypes

Micropropagation decreases pollen and seed viabilities of two Solanum nigrum clonal genotypes

Proteomic analysis reveals differential responsive mechanisms in Solanum nigrum exposed to low and high dose of cadmium

Cadmium (Cd) contamination is becoming a widespread environmental problem. However, the differential responsive mechanisms of Cd hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum to low or high dose of Cd are not well documented. In this study, phenotypic and physiological analysis firstly suggested that the seedlings of S. nigrum showed slight leaf chlorosis symptoms under 25 μM Cd and severe inhibition on growth and photosynthesis under 100 μM Cd. Further proteomic analysis identified 105 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the Cd-treated leaves. Under low dose of Cd stress, 47 DEPs are mainly involved in primary metabolic processes, while under high dose of Cd stress, 92 DEPs are mainly involved in photosynthesis, energy metabolism, production of phytochelatin and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of DEPs support above differential responses in the leaves of S. nigrum to low and high dose of Cd treatments. This work provides the differential responsive mechanisms in S. nigrum to low and high dose of Cd, and the theoretical foundation for the application of hyperaccumulating plants in the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soils.

Ethno-medicinal plants of indigenous people: A case study in Khatling valley of Western Himalaya, India

Background: Khatling valley is an unexplored and remote region located in the Uttarakhand state of Indian Himalaya, the area possesses rich medicinal flora, and local inhabitants using these plants since generations. The majority of primary health care depends upon traditional medicine due to the unavailability of a modern medicinal facility, however, the identity of medicinal plants is limited to traditional healers or elder people in the region thus the documentation of such important medicinal knowledge is a dire need for sustainable use. Methods: An ethnomedicinal survey was carried out in this region from 2018 to 2020. Ethnomedicinal data were collected from 82 informants through semi-structured questionnaires and group conversations. To check the popular and frequently used species URs and Informant consensus factor (ICF) were calculated for the collected data. Results: The present study recorded 68 plants from 63 genera and 35 families utilized for treating various disorders. The dominant families were Asteraceae (7) and Rosaceae (6) followed by Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Ranunculaceae, Polygonaceae, Zingiberiaceae (4 species each). The majority of the useful plants were herbaceous (78%) followed by trees (12%), shrubs (9%), and climbers were the least in number (1%). Most of the plant parts used were leaves and roots 25% each, followed by rhizome, aerial part and tuber (9% each), seeds, fruits, and whole plant (5% each), bark (4%) while, stem, flower, resin, and the bulb has less proportion (1% each). Five drug formulations were used by the local inhabitants of which paste was the most common (32%) followed by powder (31%), decoction (19%), raw (12%), and juice (6%). Some important medicinal plants based on use reports (URs) were Valeriana jatamansi Jones (300 URs and 5 uses), Aconitum lethale Griff. (275 URs and 5 uses), Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC (250 URs and 4 uses), Solanum nigrum (L.) (234 URs and 5 uses), Paeonia emodi Royle (230 URs and 4 uses). ICF values ranged between 0.96 and 1. The highest ICF value (1) was recorded for mental disorders (ICD code F) and epilepsy (ICD code G) while a minimum of 0.96 was recorded for blood problems (ICD code I). Conclusion: Ethnomedicinal plants having high URs and ICF can be a good source for novel phytoconstituents and novel drug discoveries, apart from this documentation of traditional knowledge will be helpful for the new generation, researchers, and policymakers for sustainable use of the species. Keywords: Ethnomedicine; Indigenous knowledge; Medicinal plants; Remote region

Root Exudates of Fifteen Common Weed Species: Phytochemical Screening and Allelopathic Effects on T. aestivum L.

Through allelopathic interactions, plants may either suppress competing species or promote those that may help them better adapt to their environment. The purpose of this research was to determine how the root exudates of 15 common weeds affected the germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Every other day, 15 seeds were dispersed over Petri dishes (with filter paper) and pots (with garden soil) and treated with 1 mL and 5 mL of aqueous root exudates, respectively. Distilled water had the highest germination rate at 86.33% and the lowest at 64.00% (p = 0.001) for Commelina benghalensis in the Petri dish containing root exudates. The seed germination percentage of the pot condition was the lowest, at 68.45% (p = 0.004), for Solanum nigrum, while the control was 87.23%. Similarly, the lowest shoot length, 12.01 cm (p = 0.0025) in Mikania micrantha, and the lowest root length of 2.17 cm (p = 0.0048) in Leucas aspera, were recorded, whereas the control was 19.13 cm and 3.46 cm, respectively, in Petri dishes. In addition, the lowest shoot and root growth were 9.72 cm (p = 0.0004) in Mikania micrantha and 4.34 cm (p = 0.0019) in Spilanthes acmella, while the control was at 20.13 cm and 6.42 cm, respectively, for pot culture. Furthermore, in seedlings, biomass studies of treated T. aestivum showed elevated malonaldehyde (MDA) levels in both Petri dishes and pot cultures. However, chlorophyll a and b levels, as well as those of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), are lower than in the control group. Both enzymes were elevated in pot cultures compared to those grown in Petri plates. The dry weight of T. aestivum seedlings cultivated in pots and Petri dishes demonstrated its considerable allelopathic influence. This research found that the root exudates of all the weeds studied could have the capacity to impede wheat seed germination as well as the development of wheat seedlings. These inhibitory effects were higher in Petri dishes than in pot cultures.

Alternate hosts of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and their role in its carry-over to cotton in North-Western India

Bemisia tabaci is a serious agricultural pest and vector of many economically important plant viruses worldwide. We studied the role of alternate host plants in carry-over of B. tabaci to cotton crop in Punjab province of India. One hundred thirteen plants in twenty nine families harboured the whitefly, but plants in Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Solanaceae and Malvaceae were preferred hosts. During winter months, vegetables Solanum melongena, Solanum tuberosumm, Ipomoea batatus and perennial weeds namely Abutilon indicum, Solanum nigrum and Xanthium strumarium played major role in the overwintering of the pest. Cucurbits, S. melongena, Solanum lycopersicum, Abelmoschus esculentus and Vigna radiata had the highest potential for harbouring B. tabaci during spring season and carry- over of the pest to cotton crop. We recommended that weed hosts that harbour the B. tabaci should be removed, whereas cucurbits, brinjal, tomato, okra and moong should be monitored regularly during spring season. The insecticides should be applied sparingly on spring hosts to prevent population buildup and to reduce carry-over of B. tabaci to cotton and other kharif crops in north western India.

Solanum nigrum L. in COVID-19 and post-COVID complications: a propitious candidate.

COVID-19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 has changed the world scenario and caused mortality around the globe. Patients who recovered from COVID-19 have shown neurological, psychological, renal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and hematological complications. In some patients, complications lasted more than 6 months. However, significantly less attention has been given to post-COVID complications. Currently available drugs are used to tackle the complications, but new interventions must address the problem. Phytochemicals from natural sources have been evaluated in recent times to cure or alleviate COVID-19 symptoms. An edible plant, Solanum nigrum,could be therapeutic in treating COVID-19 as the AYUSH ministry of India prescribes it during the pandemic. S. nigrum demonstrates anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral action to treat the SARS-CoV-2 infection and its post-complications. Different parts of the plant represent a reduction in proinflammatory cytokines and prevent multi-organ failure by protecting various organs (liver, kidney, heart, neuro, and lung). The review proposes the possible role of the plantS. nigrumin managing the symptoms of COVID-19 and its post-COVID complications based on in silicodocking and pharmacological studies. Further systematic and experimental studies are required to validate our hypothesis.

First report of tomato yellow mottle-associated virus infecting Solanum nigrum in China.

First report of tomato yellow mottle-associated virus infecting Solanum nigrum in China Zhenggang Li, Yafei Tang, Xiaoman She, Guobing Lan, Lin Yu, and Zifu He† Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Plant Protection Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China. Tomato yellow mottle-associated virus (TYMaV) is a newly found cytorhabdovirus associated with epinasty of leaflet blades, yellow spots, puckering, and mottling symptoms in tomato plants in China (Xu et al., 2017). In May 2020, Solanum nigrum plants exhibiting leaf crinkling and mosaic symptoms (eXtra S1) were found in Shantou city, Guangdong, China. To identify the causal pathogens, the leaves of three symptomatic plants were collected and subjected to total RNA extraction with TRIzol Reagent (Takara, Kusatsu, Japan). About 100 μg RNA mixture, which consisted of an equal amount of total RNA extracted from the three samples, was subjected to small RNA deep sequencing and assembly (sRSA) (Kreuze et al., 2009). Small RNA cDNA library was constructed with the method described previously (Mi et al., 2008). Small RNA deep sequencing was performed with Illumina HiSeq X Ten platform. VirusDetect (Zheng et al., 2017) was used to analyze the sequence data. The result showed that the sequence data includes about 11 million reads and generated 194 unique contigs after removal of host-derived contigs. Subsequently, the unique contigs were screened using BLASTn search against the virus database. One hundred and five unique contigs were mapped to TYMaV genome (reference sequence, KY075646), 21 unique contigs were mapped to RNA1 segment of tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) genome (reference sequence, KY618796), 67 unique contigs were mapped to RNA2 segment of ToCV genome (reference sequence, KY618797), and one unique contig was mapped to pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV) genome (reference sequence, FJ617225) (eXtra S1). To verify the sRSA result for TYMaV detection, RT-PCR was performed with two primer pairs TYMaV-F1/R1 (5'-TCATTAGACTCAGGCCTAATCCTCA AAGT-3'/5'-GATATGGAGACGTCCAAGTTCAAAGGGATGGA-3'), and TYMaV-F2/R2 (5'-TATGCGGCAGCTTTCATGTCTATAGACCCT-3'/5'-ATGACCTAGCTTCAATAACAGTCGCG-3'), which are designed according to the sRSA result. All the symptomatic samples tested positive for TYMaV (eXtra S2). Western blot with TYMaV N protein-specific antibody further verified the result (eXtra S2). To obtain the nearly full-length sequence of TYMaV identified in Shantou, 13 primer pairs were designed to amplify the viral fragments. The amplified PCR products were then introduced into pMD19T (Takara, Kusatsu, Japan) and sequenced by Sangon Biotech Co. (Shanghai, China). The nearly full-length sequence of TYMaV Shantou isolate (TYMaV-ST) was assembled from the 13 overlapping sequences (reference sequence, MW527091). TYMaV-ST genome comprises of 13401 nt and shares 84.93% nucleotide sequence identity with the reference genome (KY075646). In addition, 37 S. nigrum samples and 20 tomato samples nearby with viral disease symptoms were collected from different sites of Guangdong province, China. Six S. nigrum samples and five tomato plant samples tested positive for TYMaV by RT-PCR, suggesting a wide spread of the virus in the surveyed region. These results together with those of the sRSA assay also suggest that the disease symptoms shown in the original S. nigrum plants may not necessarily be caused by TYMaV or by TYMaV alone. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TYMaV infecting S. nigrum in China. S. nigrum is a common weed which belongs to the family Solanaceae and may serve as a reservoir for TYMaV in the fields. Further research is needed to verify whether this is indeed the case, and to understand the characteristics of this virus including its transmission, pathogenicity, and economic significance. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Funding This work was supported by the Key Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province (2018B020202006), the Agricultural Competitive Industry Discipline Team Building Project of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences (202103TD and 202105TD), the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou (202102020504), and Special Fund for Scientific Innovation Strategy-Construction of High-Level Academy of Agriculture Science (R2019PY-QF003).

Insight into the subcellular mechanism of maximizing Cd accumulation in hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum L. under the action of biodegradable chelating agent

Under the promotion of biodegradable chelating agents, hyperaccumulators can accumulate large amounts of heavy metals. However, in practical application, excessive accumulation of heavy metals will lead to the reduction of biomass, resulting in the reduction of heavy metal accumulation efficiency. Therefore, here we seek to investigate the dynamic process of vacuolar compartmentalization regulated by biological chelators, to provide guidance for improving the accumulation efficiency of heavy metals and alleviating the reduction of biomass. In this study, subcellular isolation was used to study the changes of enzyme activities, total cadmium (Cd), Cd2+, glutathione and reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents in protoplasts and vacuoles of leaf cells of Solanum nigrum L. The results indicate that vacuolar compartmentalization is a dynamic regulation process of continuous glutathione consumption. Under the promotion of biodegradable chelating agent N, N-bis glutamic acid (GLDA), more glutathione was induced and preferentially entered the vacuole to chelate and store Cd. Moreover, for large amounts of Cd accumulation, the insufficient supply of glutathione (GSH) preferentially maintains vacuolar homeostasis and causes redox damage outside the vacuole. These results showed that insufficient glutathione production led to the reduction of biomass. Therefore, in the practical application of GLDA, the consumption inside and outside the vacuole can be met by controlling the production of glutathione, so as to increase the efficiency of heavy metal accumulation.

First report of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) infecting Solanum nigrum plants in Mauritius

First report of tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) infecting Solanum nigrum plants in Mauritius

Solanum nigrum Fruit Extract Modulates Immune System Activity of Mealworm Beetle, Tenebrio molitor L.

Here, we report the first evidence concerning the modulation of insect immune system activity after applying Solanum nigrum fruit extract (EXT). We focused on two main issues: (1) is EXT cytotoxic for Tenebrio molitor haemocytes? and (2) how EXT affects the basic immune mechanisms of T. molitor. The results indicate cytotoxic action of 0.01 and 0.1% EXT on beetle haemocytes. Both the injection of EXT and incubating haemocytes with the EXT solution on microscopic slides significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells. However, 24 h after injection of 0.1% EXT cytotoxic effect of the tested extract probably was masked by the increased number of circulating haemocytes. Application of 0.01 and 0.1% EXT led to impairment of the activity of basic immune mechanisms such as phenoloxidase activity and the lysozyme-like antimicrobial activity of T. molitor haemolymph. Moreover, the EXT elicited significant changes in the expression level of selected immune genes. However, some of the immunomodulatory effects of EXT were different in beetles with and without an activated immune system. The obtained results are an essential step toward a complete understanding of the EXT mode of action on the T. molitor physiology and its potential usage in pest control.

Characterisation of Czech arable weed communities according to management and production area considering the prevalence of herbicide‐resistant species

AbstractHerbicide resistance is a widespread issue that impacts management of conventional farms, but also has ramifications for the weed community assembly; it is therefore important to see how these species factor into the weed community assembly of farms throughout the countryside. This research analysed species richness and community diversity in 98 field relevés from 48 organic and 50 conventional farms evenly distributed between two major production regions of the Czech Republic and then evaluated the incidence of species which have been reported resistant in the Czech Republic and its neighbouring countries. Farms were selected independently of any acknowledged resistant species. Out of 164 species found in this survey, only eight species have had herbicide‐resistant biotypes reported in the Czech Republic, while a total of 19 species had herbicide‐resistant biotypes reported in neighbouring countries. Species with recorded resistance to PSII inhibitors in the Czech Republic tended to be found together and were mostly associated with the beet production region, characterised by low altitude: Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus‐galli and Solanum nigrum. Species with reported resistance to ALS and ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides were not clearly associated with a particular region or farming type. Of the species which have had reported herbicide resistance in the neighbouring countries, several were found in conventional fields within the growing season and we recommend immediate screening for herbicide resistance in these species and more diligent action in management according to anti‐resistance strategies: Bromus sterilis resistant to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides, A. retroflexus resistant to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides or Avena fatua resistant to ACCase and ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. This work is unique in that it is evaluating weed species diversity in organic and conventional farms and using the context to frame the prevalence of high‐risk herbicide‐resistant species; thereby putting the potential incidence of herbicide resistance into perspective at the landscape level.

Early response of Solanum nigrum L. to Lumax and castor oil combination in relation to antioxidant activity, osmolyte concentration and chlorophyll a fluorescence

Solanum nigrum L. (Black nightshade), is one of the most troublesome weeds of summer crops such as corn, soybean, sunflower, etc. To study the effect of combined Castor oil as an adjuvant with different doses of Lumax (Mesotrion + S-metolacholor + Terbuthylazine) on the physiological behavior of Solanum nigrum L., a greenhouse experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with four replications in agricultural faculty of the University of Tabriz in 2021. A foliar application of Lumax increased proline, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase activity. The content of protein and photosynthetic pigments (Chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids) also decreased significantly by using Lumax herbicide. Applying castor oil in combination with Lumax intensifies oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Results showed that by increasing the herbicide doses in comparison with control (non-herbicide), Area, Fm, Fv, Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, Sm, Sm/Tfm, and Fv/F0 decreased 48.32%, 19.52%, 27.95%, 10.47%, 50.90%, 28.34%, 79.38%, and 50.90%, respectively and F0, F0/Fm increased 46.76% and 82.38%, respectively. Castor oil showed a synergistic effect on Lumax herbicide and enhanced its efficacy on Solanum nigrum. The presented results supported the view that by evaluating chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, we would realize herbicide (alone or mixed with any adjacent) efficacy before the visual symptoms appear in the plant.

Effects of microbial agents on cadmium uptake in Solanum nigrum L. and rhizosphere microbial communities in cadmium-contaminated soil.

Solanum nigrum L. (S. nigrum) and microbial agents are often used for the remediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil; however, no studies to date have examined the efficacy of using various microbial agents for enhancing the remediation efficiency of Cd-contaminated soil by S. nigrum. Here, we conducted greenhouse pot experiments to evaluate the efficacy of applying Bacillus megaterium (BM) along with citric acid (BM + CA), Glomus mosseae (BM + GM), and Piriformospora indica (BM + PI) on the ability of S. nigrum to remediate Cd-contaminated soil. The results showed that BM + GM significantly increased the Cd accumulation of each pot of S. nigrum by 104% compared with the control. Application of microbial agents changed the soil microbial communities. Redundancy analysis showed that the activities of Catalase (CAT) and urease (UE), soil organic matter, available N and total Cd were the main influencing factors. By constructing the microbial co-occurrence networks, the soil microbe was divided into four main Modules. BM + GM and BM + PI significantly increased the relative abundance of Module#1 and Module#3, respectively, when compared with the control. Additionally, Module#1 showed a significant positive correlation with translocation factor (TF), which could be regarded as the key microbial taxa. Further research found that Ascomycota, Glomeromycota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria within Module#1 were also significantly correlated with TF, and these key species enriched in BM + GM. Overall, our findings indicate that the BM + GM treatment was the most effective for the remediation of Cd pollution. This treatment method may further affect the rhizosphere microbial community by affecting soil indicators, which might drive the formation of Module#1, thus greatly enhancing the Cd remediation capacity of S. nigrum.

TRADITIONAL PLANTS OF FAMILY SOLANACEAE FACING THE PROBLEM OF ADULTERATION: A CRITICAL ISSUE

Authenticated identification of medicinal plants always had been an issue because of their local names misunderstanding and multiple morphological similarities. Hence the present study was an effort to provide some authenticated taxonomic tools for identification of three valuable selected medicinal plants of the family Solanaceae. i.e., Datura stramonium L., Solanum nigrum L. and Withania somnifera L. This study was based on multiple parameters (morphology, anatomy (Light Microscopy & Scanning electron microscopy), palynology (LM & Scanning Electron Microscopy), Organoleptography, UV (ultra violet) and IR (infra-red) analysis, solubility, fluorescence and chemical analysis, so as to establish some reiliable taxonomic tools for recognition of these plants. Anatomical studies were carried out to identify the species from the taxonomic point of view. A variety of characters like epidermal cells, subsidiary cells, guard cells, trichomes, macro-hairs, micro-hairs and stomata were used as a tool for the taxonomic grouping of different species. Pollen characters in all the three taxa were helpful to distinguish the taxa at species as well as at generic level. The organoleptic, ultra violet, infra red and chemical analysis of the taxa showed a lot of variation among them. The present research work provided a comprehensive detail of the systematics along with the pharmacognosy of selected taxa which can be used as an aid in the identification and exploration of the medicinal wealth of the Pakistan.

Selected micronutrients effect on growth, development, and yield of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum)

AbstractBlack nightshade (Solanum nigrum) is an important indigenous leafy vegetable consumed in sub‐Saharan Africa. The species is an important source of micronutrients for medicinal purposes. A controlled experiment was conducted at the University of KwaZulu‐Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, to investigate the effect of zinc and boron applications on the growth, development, and yield of black nightshade. Each micronutrient (zinc and boron) was applied at five different concentrations, namely, 100 (T1), 200 (T2), 300 (T3), 400 (T4), and 500 (T5) ppm, including a control (T0) (distilled/high pressure liquid chromatography water spray), giving a total of six treatments. Treatments were arranged in a complete randomized design (CRD) with three replications, giving a total of 18 experimental units (pots). After 14 days of transplanting, the treatments were applied through foliar spraying three times over 24 h with an 8‐h interval between each spraying event. Data collection started 14 days after transplanting, and thereafter, measurements were taken fortnightly. At harvest (70 days after transplanting), fruit number, fresh shoot weight, dry shoot weight, root fresh mass, and root dry mass were determined. The results showed significant growth and yield differences with respect to the different concentrations of zinc and boron (p < 0.05). The application of 500 ppm of boron performed significantly better than all other treatments, viz., zinc, and control across the measured variables (p < 0.05). Therefore, it is concluded that the application of boron at 500 ppm was found to be effective in enhancing plant growth and higher fruit yield (45 fruits) of black nightshade.