Search Results (18)

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) is a highly invasive weed in agricultural systems, primarily dispersed by seeds. Its germination is regulated by temperature, which varies among populations. We investigated the germination responses to temperature in two S. nigrum populations (XJ1600 and XJ1633) and identified eight putative candidate genes: GA20ox1, GA3ox1, GA2ox1, NCED9, CYP707A2, SPT, PIF1, and ABI5. These genes are involved in the phytohormone signaling pathway. Under low-temperature conditions, SPT likely perceives cold signals, promoting germination by up-regulating GA20ox1 and CYP707A2 while suppressing GA2ox1, thus potentially increasing bioactive GAs and reducing ABA levels. Under high-temperature conditions, PIFs likely perceive the heat signal. Through regulation mediated by the known negative regulator SOMNUS (SOM), NCED9 and GA2ox1 were up-regulated, while GA3ox1 was down-regulated, which could collectively modulate seed germination by altering ABA and GA levels. This study clarifies how temperature regulates S. nigrum seed germination through integrated hormonal and genetic mechanisms. This understanding directly supports the development of predictive models for weed emergence and informs the design of sustainable control strategies. Full article

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV), a highly stable and mechanically transmissible tobamovirus, poses a significant threat to solanaceous crops worldwide, particularly tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). While its transmission via human activities and contaminated materials is well-documented, the role of common phytophagous insects in its epidemiology remains less understood. Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata, the Hadda beetle, is a common pest of Solanaceae with a host range that overlaps extensively with that of ToBRFV. This study aimed to quantify the beetle’s capacity to act as a mechanical vector and to assess its potential epidemiological impact. Using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), we evaluated beetle-mediated transmission efficiency, the persistence of its virus-carrying capacity, and its ability to vector the virus to various solanaceous hosts. Our results demonstrate that H. vigintioctopunctata efficiently acquires and transmits ToBRFV to tomato and other key hosts, including black nightshade (S. nigrum), pepper (Capsicum annuum), and eggplant (Solanum melongena). The virus was retained and remained transmissible by beetles for up to 48 h post-acquisition, providing a significant window for dispersal. Viral particles were most abundant in the digestive tract, consistent with ingestion of infected tissue, and declined rapidly on external body parts, confirming a non-circulative, mechanical transmission mechanism. Furthermore, feeding wounds created by non-viruliferous beetles increased plant susceptibility to subsequent infection from environmental contamination. We conclude that H. vigintioctopunctata acts as a potential mechanical vector that might amplify ToBRFV spread at local and landscape levels. This highlights a synergistic interaction between a native pest and an invasive pathogen, underscoring the necessity of incorporating beetle management into integrated strategies for controlling ToBRFV. Full article

Lunasin is a peptide found in the soybean albumin 2S subunit, which has important bioactivities, such as anticancer and antioxidant. Recently, peptides similar to soybean lunasin have been reported in other cereal and legume seeds; for this reason, it is considered important to carry out a review that compiles this information, whose interest lies mainly in the bioactive properties of these peptides. The peptides reported in the literature contained in barley, wheat, rye, triticale, oat, black nightshade, amaranth, bean, chickpea, grass pea, lentil, and pea are analyzed and described. Isolation methods such as ion exchange chromatography, immunoaffinity column chromatography, Western blot, reversed-phase chromatography coupled to an electrospray ionization source, extraction with water and dialysis, and extraction with PBS, and tests such as internalization, radical scavenging, chelating, cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines essays, and histone acetyltransferase inhibition essays were carried out to identify their anticancer properties. It is worth mentioning that the in silico analyses of proteins in which the lunasin-like peptide is located have been developed in some of these seeds; however, more studies are needed in order to confirm sequence similarity to that of the lunasin peptide. Further work is needed in order to identify the sequence of these lunasin-like peptides and corroborate their similarity to that of the lunasin, such as the development of specific antibodies for each lunasin-like peptide reported in each type of seeds. This document aims to compile the advances in the research on lunasin-like peptides and their bioactivities to have a better understanding of the current advances related to these peptides. Full article

Background: Equally with other indigenous green leafy vegetables, Solunum nigrum L. has been widely consumed by the VhaVenda tribe found in the Limpopo Province of South Africa since ancient times as a source of food diversification due to its higher-quality nutritional value, sustainability, food security, and medicinal benefits. It is mostly cultivated from seeds in seedling trays and transplanted in the open field, and at the maturity stage, marketing and distribution are mainly conducting through informal markets (i.e., street vendors). However, recently, it can be found in selected supermarkets and commercial grocery stores in South Africa. The leaves and young shoots of S. nigrum are cooked solely and/or as a supplementary vegetable with Brassica rapa L. subsp. chinensis (Chinese cabbage), Spinacia oleracea L. (spinach), Amaranthus graecizans L. (green amaranth), Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato), and/or cooking oil for flavor. Objective: Contrary to other green leafy vegetables, few studies have been conducted on the metabolites released by S. nigrum and the influence of growing conditions on the metabolites thereof. Method: A ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance tool was used to identify the untargeted metabolites released by S. nigrum, and spectra were phase-corrected and binned with MestReNova and statistically analyzed with SIMCA 18.0.2. Results: The findings showed that a total of 12 metabolites were detected between the growing conditions. Eleven similar metabolites, such as glycocholate, chlorogenate (human health benefits), caffeine for its bitter taste, choline, 3-Chlorotyrosine (antidiabetic, blood pressure), etc., and a few vital soluble sugars, were detected in S. nigrum samples grown in the open field and greenhouse-cultivated. Glucose was exclusively detected in the S. nigrum grown under greenhouse conditions. Full article

This contribution is aimed at analyzing a series of life-prolonging and rejuvenating treatments (bcud len), recipes of ambrosia for immortality (bdud rtsi sman), and yogic and meditative techniques incorporated in the Man ngag bye ba ring bsrel (Ten Million of Quintessential Instructions, The Relics; henceforth Ring bsrel), a medical corpus mainly authored by Zur mkhar ba mNyam nyid rdo rje (1439–1475). The many treads of mNyam nyid rdo rje’s literary production reflect his rNying ma and bKa’ brgyud spiritual legacies: the author systematically elaborated materials drawn from the rNying ma gter ma tradition and complex medico–alchemical practices ascribed to the third Karmapa Rang byung rdo rje (1284–1339) and O rgyan pa rin chen dpal (1230–1309). The key ingredients of the recipes include saxifrage [bdud rtsi ’od ldan; Micranthes melanocentra; Saxifraga melanocentra], purple sage [lug mur; Phlomoides bracteosa], potent substances such as black aconite [bstan dug; Aconitum spicatum;], nightshade [thang phrom; Anisodus spp.; Mandragora caulescens], mercury–sulfide ashes (zla bcud; bcud rgyal), aphrodisiacs containing salamander meat [da byid, gangs sbal; Batrachuporus pinchonii], caterpillar fungus [dByar rtswa dgun ’bu; Cordyceps sinensis], and other substances endowed with hot potencies that can enhance gtum mo practices such as the dwarf rhododendron [da lis; Rhododendron spp.] and compounds containing long peer [pi pi ling; Piper longum], black pepper, [pho bar is; Piper nigrum], ginger, and so forth. The consecrated medicines and the rituals can bestow protection from any sort of diseases, diseases-carrier forces (gdon), and poisoning and lead to spiritual achievements. The analysis of these scriptural materials brings into focus the historical interrelation of diverse traditions that are represented by the heterogeneity of ideas and practices handed down through the Zur medical lineage. Full article

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide for weed control in citrus orchards in Brazil; therefore, it is likely that several species have gained resistance to this herbicide and that more than one resistant species can be found in the same orchard. The objective was to identify weeds resistant to glyphosate in citrus orchards from different regions of the São Paulo State (SP) and determine how many resistant species are present within the same orchard. Seeds of Amaranthus deflexus, A. hybridus, Bidens pilosa, Chloris elata, Conyza bonariensis, Digitaria insularis, Solanum Americanum, and Tridax procumbens, which, as reported by growers, are suspected to be resistant to glyphosate, were collected from plants that survived the last application of this herbicide (>720 g of acid equivalent [ae] ha^–1) in sweet orange and Tahiti acid lime orchards. Based on dose–response and shikimic acid accumulation assays, all populations of A. deflexus, A. hybridus, B. pilosa, and T. procumbens were sensitive to glyphosate. However, populations of B. pilosa from the Olimpia region (R-NS, R-PT and R-OdA) showed signs of resistance based on plant mortality rates by 50% within a population (LD₅₀ = 355–460 g ae ha⁻¹). All populations of C. bonariensis, C. elata, and D. insularis were resistant to glyphosate, presenting resistance ratios from 1.9 to 27.6 and low shikimate accumulation rates. Solanum americanum also showed resistance, with resistance ratios ranging from 4.3 to 25.4. Most of the citrus orchards sampled presented the occurrence of more than one species resistant to glyphosate: Nossa Senhora—one species; Olhos D’agua and Passatempo—two species; Araras—four species; and Cordeiropolis and Mogi-Mirim—up to five species. The results reported in this paper provide evidence of multiple species in citrus orchards from São Paulo that have exhibited resistance to glyphosate. This underscores the difficulties in managing glyphosate-resistant weeds which are prevalent throughout the country, such as C. bonariensis and D. insularis. The presence of these resistant species further complicates the control of susceptible species that may also develop resistance. In addition, the glyphosate resistance of S. americanum was identified for the first time. Full article

Slender nightshade (Solanum nigrescens Mart. and Gal.) is a perennial, herbaceous plant from the Solanaceae family, which is distributed in various environments. The aim of this study was to review the scientific literature and to establish slender nightshade plants under greenhouse conditions in order to record their phenological development. The specialized literature regarding the distribution, botanical characteristics, and uses of such species was analyzed. The phenological development was recorded based on the BBCH (Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, Chemische Industrie) guide. Slender nightshade seeds were germinated under greenhouse conditions, then transferred to red porous volcano gravel locally known as tezontle in black polyethylene bags and watered with a Steiner nutrient solution. Changes in phenology were monitored and recorded from germination to the ripening of fruit and seeds. Slender nightshade has a wide distribution in Mexico and is used for medicinal and gastronomical purposes, as well as to control pathogens. The phenological development of slender nightshade has seven stages from germination to the ripening of fruit and seeds. Slender nightshade is a poorly studied plant with potential for human consumption. The phenological recording provides a tool for its management and further research as a crop. Full article

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) is a Tobamovirus of economic importance affecting cucurbit crops and Asian cucurbit vegetables. Non-host crops of CGMMV, including capsicum (Capsicum annum), sweetcorn (Zea mays), and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), were tested for their susceptibility to the virus, with field and glasshouse trials undertaken. After 12 weeks post-sowing, the crops were tested for the presence of CGMMV, and in all cases, no CGMMV was detected. Commonly found within the growing regions of cucurbits and melons worldwide are weeds, such as black nightshade (Solanum nigrum), wild gooseberry (Physalis minima), pigweed (Portulaca oleracea), and Amaranth species. Several weeds/grasses were tested for their ability to become infected with CGMMV by inoculating weeds directly with CGMMV and routinely testing over a period of eight weeks. Amaranthus viridis was found to be susceptible, with 50% of the weeds becoming infected with CGMMV. To further analyse this, six Amaranth samples were used as inoculum on four watermelon seedlings per sample and tested after eight weeks. CGMMV was detected in three of six watermelon bulk samples, indicating that A. viridis is a potential host/reservoir for CGMMV. Further research into the relationship between CGMMV and weed hosts is required. This research also highlights the importance of proper weed management to effectively manage CGMMV. Full article

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. Full article

In anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD), soil amended with a carbon source undergoes anaerobic conditions accompanied by changes in microbial community composition and an increase in the concentration of organic acids, primarily acetic and butyric acids, and gases that are deleterious to plant pathogens, insects, and potentially to weeds. The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of ASD with different carbon sources on inactivation of propagules of a variety of weed species. Germination and viability of propagules of common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.), yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.), common pokeweed (Phytolacca decandra L.), barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale (Weber)), and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) were tested using different rates of four carbon sources: molasses, wheat bran, mustard greens biomass, and raw chicken manure. Wheat bran was the most effective carbon source for inactivation of all weed propagules, followed by molasses and mustard greens biomass. Carbon sources were mixed with soil, which was irrigated to saturation and covered with plastic to promote anaerobic conditions for three weeks. Chicken manure inactivated all the tested species except A. retroflexus compared to the anaerobic control. Rates of carbon sources applied in soil were weakly but significantly correlated (r > 0.42 and p < 0.04) with weed seed mortality or germination inhibition (E. crus-galli) for all the tested carbon sources and weed species except for chicken manure for C. album, A. retroflexus, and S. nigrum. Laboratory tests to confirm organic acid toxicity showed that 1000 µL L⁻¹ acetic plus 1000 µL L⁻¹ butyric acids for at least 60 h inhibited of sprouting of C. esculentus tubers and E. crusgalli seeds, whereas 120 h or exposure was required to inhibit C. album seed germination. Anaerobic soil disinfestation effectively suppressed weed seed germination and viability when wheat bran, molasses and mustard greens biomass were used as carbon sources. This approach could be adopted for weed management in organic systems or any farming system where priority is given to environmentally sustainable practices. Full article

The tobamovirus yellow tailflower mild mottle virus (YTMMV) was previously reported in wild plants of Anthocercis species (family Solanaceae) and other solanaceous indigenous species growing in natural habitats in Western Australia. Here, we undertook a survey of two introduced solanaceous weeds, namely Solanum nigrum (black nightshade) and Physalis peruviana (cape gooseberry) in the Perth metropolitan area and surrounds to determine if YTMMV has spread naturally to these species. At a remnant natural bushland site where both solanaceous weeds and indigenous Anthocercis hosts grew adjacent to one another, a proportion of S. nigrum and P. peruviana plants were asymptomatically-infected with YTMMV, confirming spillover had occurred. Populations of S. nigrum also grow as weeds in parts of the city isolated from remnant bushland and indigenous sources of YTMMV, and some of these populations were also infected with YTMMV. Fruit was harvested from virus-infected wild S. nigrum plants and the seed germinated under controlled conditions. Up to 80% of resultant seedlings derived from infected parent plants were infected with YTMMV, confirming that the virus is vertically-transmitted in S. nigrum, and therefore infection appears to be self-sustaining in this species. This is the first report of spillover of YTMMV to exotic weeds, and of vertical transmission of this tobamovirus. We discuss the roles of vertical and horizontal transmission in this spillover event, and its implications for biosecurity. Full article

This study evaluated in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and antioxidant activities of methanolic leaf and root extracts from Solanum nigrum L. and determined its chemical composition. The chemical profile of S. nigrum L. extract was tested using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Disc diffusion and microdilution assays were used for the antibacterial activities. Antifungal activity was measured using the poisoned food technique. In vitro activity on the cell culture model was assessed by MTT assay, viability measurement and by determination of cellular ROS by DCFDA assay. The minimal inhibitory concentrations for extracts from aerial parts ranged from 125 to 500 μg/mL for gram-positive cocci and Pectobacterium strains. The growth inhibition coefficient ranged from 17–56%, depending on the dosage. The antifungal effect of S. nigrum extracts on the tested filamentous fungi depended on the dose. An inhibitory effect of 50–56% on fungi was observed against Alternaria alternata and Chaetomium globosum. The study showed a reduction in cellular vitality of THP1, A549, MCF7 and HeLa cancer lines using both extracts. In addition, there was a decrease in the number of viable cells in cultures incubated with the extract of aerial parts and a reduction in oxygen radicals in the cells. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using S. nigrum extracts from the aerial part as antimicrobial factors. Both extracts show chemopreventive properties by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and reducing the level of free radicals. Both extracts show chemopreventive properties by inhibiting cancer cell growth and lowering free radical levels. The broad biological activity of the studied extracts can be used in agriculture, veterinary usages and medicine. Full article

Although large-spored Alternaria species of the section Porri are considered to be the major agents responsible for leaf spot and blight of Solanaceae, small-spored Alternaria species are also frequently isolated from symptomatic tissues. A survey of the north-western regions of Algeria during the 2017–2018 growing seasons revealed that amongst the 623 Alternaria isolates from tomato, potato, pepper, eggplant and black nightshade, 8% could not be morphologically assigned to either section Porri or section Alternaria. In order to more precisely determine the taxonomic position of these isolates, detailed morphological characterizations and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses were performed. Based on these analyses, the isolates were grouped into four main clades: section Ulocladioides, section Infectoriae, including two new species, section Embellisioides, and section Eureka, including one new species. These isolates were also characterized for their virulence under green-house conditions. They were able to produce leaf spot symptoms on tomato plants but with variable levels. Full article

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) belongs to the Solanaceae family and is used as a medicinal herb with health benefits. It has been reported that the black nightshade plant contains various phytochemicals that are associated with antitumor activities. Here we employed a genetic approach to study the effects of overexpression of Arabidopsis thaliana production of anthocyanin pigment 1 (AtPAP1) in black nightshade. Ectopic expression of AtPAP1 resulted in enhanced accumulation of anthocyanin pigments in vegetative and reproductive tissues of the transgenic plants. Analysis of anthocyanin revealed that delphinidin 3-O-rutinoside-5-O-glucoside, delphinidin 3,5-O-diglucoside, delphinidin 3-O-rutinoside, petunidin 3-O-rutinoside (cis-p-coumaroyl)-5-O-glucoside, petunidin 3-(feruloyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside, and malvidin 3-(feruloyl)-rutinoside-5-glucoside are highly induced in the leaves of AtPAP1 overexpression lines. Furthermore, ectopic expression of AtPAP1 evoked expression of early and late biosynthetic genes of the general phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways that include phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumarate CoA ligase (4CL), chalcone isomerase (CHI), and quinate hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (HCT), which suggests these genes might be transcriptional targets of AtPAP1 in black nightshade. Concomitantly, the total content of anthocyanin in the transgenic black nightshade plants was higher compared to the control plants, which supports phenotypic changes in color. Our data demonstrate that a major anthocyanin biosynthetic regulator, AtPAP1, can induce accumulation of anthocyanins in the heterologous system of black nightshade through the conserved flavonoid biosynthesis pathway in plants. Full article

The usage of insects as model organisms is becoming more and more common in toxicological, pharmacological, genetic and biomedical research. Insects, such as fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster), locusts (Locusta migratoria), stick insects (Baculum extradentatum) or beetles (Tenebrio molitor) are used to assess the effect of different active compounds, as well as to analyse the background and course of certain diseases, including heart disorders. The goal of this study was to assess the influence of secondary metabolites extracted from Solanaceae and Brassicaceae plants: Potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), on T. molitor beetle heart contractility in comparison with pure alkaloids. During the in vivo bioassays, the plants glycoalkaloid extracts and pure substances were injected at the concentration 10⁻⁵ M into T. molitor pupa and evoked changes in heart activity. Pure glycoalkaloids caused mainly positive chronotropic effects, dependant on heart activity phase during a 24-h period of recording. Moreover, the substances affected the duration of the heart activity phases. Similarly, to the pure glycoalkaloids, the tested extracts also mainly accelerated the heart rhythm, however S. tuberosum and S. lycopersicum extracts slightly decreased the heart contractions frequency in the last 6 h of the recording. Cardioacceleratory activity of only S. lycopersicum extract was higher than single alkaloids whereas S. tubersoum and S. nigrum extracts were less active when compared to pure alkaloids. The most cardioactive substance was chaconine which strongly stimulated heart action during the whole recording after injection. A. rusticana extract which is composed mainly of glucosinolates did not significantly affect the heart contractions. Obtained results showed that glycoalkaloids were much more active than glucosinolates. However, the extracts depending on the plant species might be more or less active than pure substances. Full article