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Solanum trilobatum Linn (Solanaceae) is one of the most important medicinal plants used in the treatment of various type of diseases. The present study emphasizes the formulation of cookies and evaluation of its nutritive analysis. Phytochemical screening of the S. trilobatum leaves revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and phenols. The aqueous extract of S. trilobatum tested for its antibacterial activity revealed good inhibition against E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. vulgaris. The highest inhibition rate of 13.5 ± 0.25 mm was observed against K. pneumoniae at the concentration of 80 µg/µl. Aqueous extract of S. trilobatum contains 18.683 QE/g of flavonoids and 724.76 µg/g of total phenol corresponding to the concentration of 100 µg/ml. Drying characteristics of S. trilobatum leaves was studied by Lewis and page models. Drying kinetics of S. trilobatum leaves was well fitted with the Page model with determination coefficient of 0.9342. Among the different flour base ingredients tested, S. trilobatum based cookies formulated with multigrain-palm sugar has better acceptance level with good flavour. The proximate analysis of multigrain-palm sugar revealed that S. trilobatum cookies contain 52% carbohydrate, 5.4% protein, 19% fat and 0.9% fibre.

In recent years, many attempts have been made to find new plant proteases to make artisan cheeses. The global increase in cheese consumption, together with a lower supply and increasing cost of calf rennet, religious factors (Islam and Judaism) and food choices (vegetarianism) have led to the search for suitable rennet substitutes for milk clotting. This study describes the milk-clotting and hydrolytic activities of an aspartic protease from Salpichroa origanifolia fruits (SoAP) on individual caseins to explore its potential use as an alternative to animal rennet. The milk-clotting index obtained for SoAP was 8.4 times lower than that obtained for chymosin. SoAP showed a higher degree of hydrolysis on α-casein than on the other fractions under the proposed conditions. RP-HPLC, mass spectrometry analyses and sequencing of the hydrolysates allowed identifying five peptides from α-casein, one peptide from β-casein, and three peptides from k-casein. In silico analysis showed that the peptides identified may display a wide variety of potential biological activities. These results demonstrate the possibility of using SoAP for the manufacture of new types or artisan cheeses, with the simultaneous added value of the potential health-promoting benefits of the bioactive peptides generated during the hydrolysis.

Tomato is more prone to Tuta absoluta invasion and damages as compared to other host plants but the mechanism behind this preference has not been elucidated. Here, two contrasting host preference plants, tomato and eggplant, were used to investigate biochemical and transcriptomic modifications induced by T. absoluta infestation. Biochemical analysis at 0–72 h post T. absoluta infestation revealed significantly reduced concentrations of amino acid, fructose, sucrose, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, and total phenols in tomato compared to eggplant, mainly at 48 h post T. absoluta infestation. Transcriptome analysis showed higher transcript changes in infested eggplant than tomato. Signaling genes had significant contributions to mediate plant immunity against T. absoluta, specifically genes associated with salicylic acid in eggplant. Genes from PR1b1, NPR1 , NPR3, MAPKs , and ANP1 families play important roles to mitigate T. absoluta infestation. Our results will facilitate the development of control strategies against T. absoluta for sustainable tomato production.

The cosmopolitan family Solanaceae, which originated and first diversified in South America, is economically important. The tribe Hyoscyameae is one of the three clades in Solanaceae that occurs outside of the New World; Hyoscyameae genera are distributed mainly in Europe and Asia, and have centers of species diversity in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and adjacent regions. Although many phylogenetic studies have focused on Solanaceae, the phylogenetic relationships within the tribe Hyoscyameae and its biogeographic history remain obscure. In this study, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Hyoscyameae based on whole chloroplast genome data, and estimated lineage divergence times according to the newly reported fruit fossil from the Eocene Patagonia, Physalis infinemundi, the earliest known fossil of Solanaceae. We reconstructed a robust phylogeny of Hyoscyameae that reveals the berry fruit-type Atropa is sister to the six capsule-bearing genera (Hyoscyameae sensu stricto), Atropanthe is sister to the clade (Scopolia, Physochlaina, Przewalskia), and together they are sister to the robustly supported Anisodus–Hyoscyamus clade. The stem age of Hyoscyameae was inferred to be in the Eocene (47.11 Ma, 95% HPD: 36.75–57.86 Ma), and the crown ages of Hyoscyameae sensu stricto were estimated as the early Miocene (22.52 Ma, 95% HPD: 15.19–30.53 Ma), which shows a close correlation with the rapid uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau at the Paleogene/Neogene boundary. Our results provide insights into the phylogenetic relationships and the history of the biogeographic diversification of the tribe Hyoscyameae, as well as plant diversification on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau., Highlights • The phylogenetic position of the monotypic genus Atropanthe is robustly resolved. • The stem age of Hyoscyameae is estimated to the Eocene (47.11 Ma). • Our findings suggest that the diversification of Hyoscyameae s.s. coincided with the rapid uplift of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau.

Pharmacologically important tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, are synthesized in the roots of several Solanaceae and also accumulate in their shoots. The tropane alkaloids content in roots of D. innoxia seedlings was almost 3-fold higher than in their shoots. Moreover, scopolamine accounted for 77 % of the total tropane alkaloid content in shoots as compared to only 20 % in roots. All candidate genes in the scopolamine biosynthetic pathway were significantly expressed in D. innoxia mature roots with limited expression in mature leaves. Using exogenous isotopically labeled 2H5 L-phenylalanine, we show here that root tissues, but not detached shoots, readily biosynthesize scopolamine. Tropane alkaloids newly synthesized by roots, and preferentially scopolamine, were further transported to shoots. Our evidence indicates that D. innoxia seedlings have the ability to synthesize tropane alkaloids in their roots and differentially transport them to the shoots.

Nicotiana glauca belonging to the family Solanaceae is an exotic perinnial bushy species that recently has invaded the mountainous areas of Al-Baha region at the south-west of Saudi Arabia, causing degredation to soil and vegetation composition of those mountains. Accordingly, this plant must be either removed or exploited as a source of useful products such as medicines as it has been proven to contain many effective compounds with therapeutic properties. Thus, the current study aimd to screening N. glauca preliminary phytoconsitiuents and its anticmicrobial activity. Results showed that varying amounts of alkaloids, steroid, tannins, flavonoid, were present in the extracts of N. glauca leaves, stems and flowers. Saponins were present only in the flowers extract. However, all previuos bioactive compounds were absent in the roots except alkaloids, therefore, roots posses lesser amount of the phytoconstituents compared to the other parts of the plants. Leaves extracts inhibited the growth of E. coli (16.3 ± 0.71 mm) and also inhibited the growth of S. aureus (11.0 ± 0.23 mm), while, the flower extracts also inhibited the growth of E. coli (6.7 ± 0.65 mm), and also inhibited the growth of S. aureus (15.8 ± 0.52 mm). This result coincide with the previous results of the screening of N, glauca phytochemicals where the highest amounts found in leaves and flowers extracts. The inhibition zone of the antibiotic gentamycin (reference control) were 32 mm in S. aureus and 38 mm in E. coli. The inhibition zone of gentamycin (reference control) were 32 mm in S. aureus and 38 mm in E. coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ethyl acetate was ranged (1.5–2 mg/ml). The lower MIC is an indication of high effectiveness of extract. Therefore, such bioactive property would support the idea that removing N. glauca from the mountainous areas of Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia, is not the only solution, but the plant can be exploited as a beneficial source of medicinal and economic purposes such as; antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal, however, further comprehensive exploration is recommended to confirm such propreties.

Larvae of a previously undescribed gall midge species have been feeding within malformed flower buds of goji berry Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae) in China, preventing fruit development and causing damage to the fruit industry. The new species is named Gephyraulus lycantha Jiao & Kolesik, its morphology is described, the COI mitochondrial gene segment is sequenced, and the biology is outlined. In order to taxonomically accommodate the new gall midge, the scope of the genus Gephyraulus is broadened and now encompasses also species that lack dorso-apical sensoria on the female cercus. LSID: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:17B243CF-5235-405B-AA60-8E872C848367.

Physalis angulata is a medicinal plant with potential to treat several diseases due to the presence of secondary metabolites, such as phenolic compounds. The influence of the application of different abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations on the composition of phenolic compounds and gas exchange was evaluated on the Physalis angulata leaves. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in Cruz das Almas, Bahia, Brazil, with potted plants. At 45 days after sowing, the plants were separated into groups and the following treatments were applied: 0, 25, 50, 100 and 150 μmol L−1 of ABA. Two days after the treatments application, the gas leaf exchange (liquid photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, mesophilic CO2 concentration and the relationship between atmospheric CO2 concentration and mesophilic CO2 concentration) between 9:00 and 11:00 was measured using an infrared gas analizer (IRGA). Four days after ABA spraying, some plants showed senescence symptoms, and therefore they were collected and taken to the stove until reached a constant dry mass. The total phenolics, caffeic acid, rutin, and trans-cinnamic were evaluated in response to the ABA. The ABA application increased the synthesis of total phenolic compounds up to 50 μmol L−1 concentration. The ABA application did not interfere with the caffeic acid synthesis. However, the rutin concentration increased regardless of ABA concentration that was applied and for trans-cinnamic acid, there was an increase up to the concentration of 100 μmol L−1. The ABA application caused stomatal closure and, consequently, the leaf gas exchange of Physalis angulata reduced.

Physalis angulata L. is an exotic fruit of the Solanaceae family, native to the Amazon region, which has been widely introduced across many tropical and subtropical regions (e.g. Central and South America, Africa, India and Pacific islands). Often characterized as a pantropical invasive weed of crops, gardens and plantations, it contains several chemical compounds of biological interest, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. The profiles of soluble and insoluble phenolic acids, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of fruits of Physalis angulata were determined in two stages of maturation in order to expand its consumption. The predominant phenolic acids in ripe and green fruits were ferulic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. During maturation, the TPC increased by 9.8%, resulting in a 10.15% higher antioxidant capacity compared to the green fruits. The ripe fruits exhibited values of TPC and antioxidant activity higher than those found in ripe Physalis peruviana, another fruit of the Solanaceae family, which is already consolidated as a highly functional fruit.

Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, and Scopolia carniolica are all temperate plants from the family Solanaceae, which as a result of their anticholinergic tropane alkaloids, hyoscyamine/atropine and scopolamine, have caused many cases of poisoning around the world. Despite the danger these nightshade plants represent, the literature often presents incomplete cases lacking in details and filled with ambiguity, and reviews on the topic tend to be limited in scope. Many also point to a gap in knowledge of these plants among physicians. To address this, the following review focuses on intoxications involving these plants as reported in the literature between 1966 and 2018, with brief mention to pertinent related plants to contextualise and provide a fuller picture of the situation surrounding the presently discussed temperate plants. Analysis of the literature displays that D. stramonium is largely associated with drug use among teens while A. belladonna is primarily ingested as a result of the berries being mistaken for edible fruits. H. niger was found to be largely ingested when mistaken for other plants, and S. carniolica was the cause of incredibly few intoxications.

Arthropods and pathogens constantly challenge potato Solanum tuberosum L. production. Scenarios of climate variation have increased the possibility of changes in pests' biological and ecological patterns by increasing or reducing overwintering length, changes in population growth rates, number of generations, crop-pest relationship, and therefore affecting their expansion. Phthorimaea operculella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is one of the main pests affecting potatoes worldwide. Adults oviposit single or multiple eggs in leaves, stems, and tubers, while the larvae in immature stage mine leaves or burrows into tubers turning them unmarketable. Traditional control methods are effective in controlling P. operculella, but many factors determine the success of the control chosen. This review provides key highlights of current information available that could be used as a resource to fight this pest.

The molecular mechanism of the underlying genes involved in the process of fruit ripening in Capsicum (family Solanaceae) is not clearly known. In the present study, we identified orthologs of 32 fruit development/ripening genes of tomato in Capsicum, and validated their expression in fruit development stages in C. annuum, C. frutescens, and C. chinense. In silico expression analysis using transcriptome data identified a total of 12 out of 32 genes showing differential expression during different stages of fruit development in Capsicum. Real time expression identified gene LOC107847473 (ortholog of MADS-RIN) had substantially higher expression (>500 folds) in breaker and mature fruits, which suggested the non-climacteric ripening behaviour of Capsicum. However, differential expression of Ehtylene receptor 2-like (LOC107873245) gene during fruit maturity supported the climacteric behaviour of only C. frutescens (hot pepper). Furthermore, development of 49 gene based simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers would help in selection of identified genes in Capsicum breeding.

Some plants are able to grow in nitrogen-poor soils because they can establish symbiosis with rhizobia or frankia (actinobacteria) bacteria, which are able to reduce the non-limiting atmospheric gaseous nitrogen (N2) to NH3 to the benefit of their host. The capacity to establish this symbiosis, also called root nodule symbiosis (RNS), is confined to the Rosid I clade, including actinorhizal plants, Parasponia and legumes [1]. RNS has been extensively studied using legume–rhizobia symbiosis as a model, and generally requires specific signaling between both organisms, with excretion of flavonoids in the rhizosphere by the plant and production of specific lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs or Nod factors for the RNS) by the rhizobia that are recognized by plant-specific receptors belonging to the LysM kinase receptor family (LysM-RLK) [2]. Genetic studies have highlighted the central role of the Nod factor-dependent signaling in most of the legume–rhizobia interactions, even if variations around this theme exist [3]. RNS requires organogenesis, and leads to the formation of the nodule organ (generally on the root), which hosts the symbiotic bacteria and in which nitrogen reduction takes place. Actinorhizal nodules present a single central vascular bundle that makes them resemble modified lateral roots [4,5]. Legume nodules are divided in two main types, depending on the presence or absence of an apical meristem (indeterminate versus determinate nodules), and have peripheral vascular tissues surrounding the central infected tissues.

Solanaceae plant seeds, which contain high concentrations of tropane alkaloids, have not been studied in real conditions of proofing and baking processes. In this work both lab vial trials and buckwheat and millet flour samples, contaminated with two species of Solanaceae plants, Datura stramonium and Brugmansia arborea, were undergone to proofing (37 °C) and baking (190 °C) processes. For the determination of tropane alkaloids, a simple solid-liquid extraction with methanol:water 2:1 (v/v) containing 0.5% acetic acid was used to extract the targeted compounds, whereas a chromatographic method employing a Zorbax C18 column coupled to an Exactive-Orbitrap analyser was used for their determination. The results indicate that concentrations of tropane alkaloids decrease under proofing conditions (degradation between 13 and 95%), while they are almost disappeared under baking conditions (degradation between 94 and 100%). Some degradation pathways have been clarified, showing that most of the compounds degrade into tropane and tropine, and into tropine and tropinone under proofing and baking conditions respectively.

Fifteen phenylpropanoid glycosides, including six undescribed compounds were isolated from the fruit of Lycium barbarum L. (Solanaceae) (goji or wolfberry). Their structures were identified by detailed spectroscopic analyses. Seven known compounds were firstly isolated from the genus Lycium, in which the 1D and 2D NMR data of one compound were reported for the first time. Notably, two undescribed compounds were a pair of rare tautomeric glycoside anomers characterized by the presence of free anomeric hydroxy. Antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of all these compounds were assessed using DPPH radical scavenging, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, respectively. These compounds showed different levels of oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and some isolates exhibited potent antioxidant activity with greater ORAC values than the positive control (EGCG).

In this study, the degradation of tropane alkaloids in pasta under boiling (100 °C during 10 min) and tea making (100 °C and let cool 5 min) conditions has been evaluated for the first time. Pasta and green tea were contaminated with Datura Stramonium and Brugmansia Arborea seeds (pasta and green tea), whereas coca leaf tea was directly analysed. The compounds were extracted using solid-liquid extraction coupled to a preconcentration stage (only for the cooking water), and the compounds were analysed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (Exactive-Orbitrap analyser). Degradation studies indicate that concentration of tropane alkaloids decreases, and it depends on the compound, observing the highest degradation for tropinone, tropane, cuscohygrine and tropine, as well as it was observed that compounds migrated to the aqueous phase during cooking step. Finally, post-targeted analysis was performed and other tropane alkaloids were found, as scopine, tigloidine or convolvine, showing a similar behaviour under cooking conditions.

Solanaceae including tomato, chilli, potato, eggplant, petunia, and tobacco are the most important vegetables, cash crops, and ornamental plants. Most of them are planted in 43% acid soil in the world. There are remarkable differences in the adaptability of different Solanaceae species to acidic soil. Aluminum (Al) is the major factor limiting crops productivity on acidic soil. Al can rapidly suppress cell division, destroy the cell structure, reduce nutrient and water uptake, and inhibit root elongation growth in Solanaceae plants. This review focuses on recent research advances and development trends in Al toxicity and tolerance in Solanaceae plants. Al avoidance, the alteration of nutrient element distribution, and increase of rhizosphere pH value contributes to Al tolerance in Solanaceae plants. Moreover, secretion of organic acids, enhancement of antioxidant capacity, and induction of Al-tolerant genes also play an important role in Al tolerance of Solanaceae plants. Manipulation of Al-tolerant genes helps to enhance crop production on acid soils. The completion of whole genome sequencing and genome editing technology will provide a platform for genetic improvement of Solanaceae plants.

This study of selected fruits of the Oleaceae and Solanaceae families quantified the contents of free and bound phenolics (FP and BP) and their in vitro antioxidant activity and inhibitory potential towards enzymes relevant for hypertension and hyperglycemia management. For all the fruits considered, FP extracted at 30 °C (FP-30 °C) were the predominant fraction of the total phenolics and had higher antioxidant activities. The highest inhibition (100%) towards angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), α-amylase and α-glucosidase was obtained respectively with extracts from tomato (FP-30 °C extract) and red pickled olive (BP-acid extract), red hot pepper (BP-base extract), and green and red pickled olives and yellow sweet pepper (BP-base extracts). Significant positive correlations existed between ACE inhibitory activity and total phenolics for Solanaceae fruits, and between the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of phenolics from olives, tomato and yellow sweet pepper. Distinct phenolic profiles were evidenced for each fruit, with p-coumaric acid detected in appreciable amounts in BP extracts from all fruits.

Mandrakes (Mandragora spp., Solanaceae) are known to contain tropane alkaloids and have been used since antiquity in traditional medicine. Tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine and hyoscyamine are used in modern medicine to treat pain, motion sickness, as eye pupil dilators and antidotes against organo-phosphate poisoning. Hyoscyamine is converted to 6β-hydroxyhyoscyamine (anisodamine) and scopolamine by hyoscyamine 6β-hydroxylase (H6H), a 2-oxoglutarate dependent dioxygenase. We describe here a marked chemo-diversity in the tropane alkaloid content in Mandragora spp. M. officinarum and M. turcomanica lack anisodamine and scopolamine but display up to 10 fold higher hyoscyamine levels as compared with M. autumnalis. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that H6H is highly conserved among scopolamine-producing Solanaceae. MoH6H present in M. officinarum differs in several amino acid residues including a homozygotic mutation in the substrate binding region of the protein and its prevalence among accessions was confirmed by Cleaved-Amplified-Polymorphic-Sequence analyses. Functional expression revealed that MaH6H, a gene isolated from M. autumnalis encodes an active H6H enzyme while the MoH6H sequence isolated from M. officinarum was functionally inactive. A single G to T mutation in nucleotide 663 of MoH6H is associated with the lack of anisodamine and scopolamine in M. officinalis.

A single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) library tested against the non-structural NSP5 protein of human rotavirus A was screened by a yeast two-hybrid system against three proteins derived from the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), with the aim of blocking their function and preventing viral infection once expressed in planta. The constructs tested were (i) ‘2a’ consisting of the full-length 2a gene (839 amino acids, aa), (ii) ‘Motifs’ covering the conserved RdRp motifs (IV-VII) (132 aa) and (iii) ‘GDD’ located within the conserved RdRp motif VI (GDD, 22 aa). In yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) selection assays the ‘2a’ and ‘Motifs’ constructs interacted with 96 and 25 library constructs, respectively, while the ‘GDD’ construct caused transactivation. Y2H-interacting scFvs were analyzed in vivo for their interaction with the 2a and Motifs proteins in a mammalian transient expression system. Eighteen tobacco lines stably transformed with four selected scFvs were produced and screened for resistance against two different CMV isolates. Different levels of resistance and rate of recovery were observed with CMV of both groups I and II, particularly in lines expressing intrabodies against the full-length 2a protein. This work describes for the first time the use of intrabodies against the RdRp of CMV to obtain plants that reduce infection of a pandemic virus, showing that the selected scFvs can modulate virus infection and induce premature recovery in tobacco plants.

Exogenous application of nitric oxide (NO) may play an important role in drought-tolerant plants in large crops or underexploited species. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μM), an exogenous NO donor, was used in this study to evaluate the potential of NO in water deficit mitigation in Physalis angulata plants. This species is a genetic resource underexploited in Brazil, but that has uses in traditional medicine and potential for growing of small fruits. Gaseous exchanges, chlorophyll content, water relations, sugar accumulation and growth parameters were evaluated in this work. Despite water deficit influence on all variables, exogenous application of nitric oxide promoted attenuation of symptoms on photosynthetic performance, notably carbon assimilation, water use efficiency and chlorophyll content. Relative water content seems not to be influenced by exogenous supply of NO. While, direct relationship between sugars accumulation and leaf water potential promoted by exogenous NO was observed. Similarly, NO reversed and/or attenuated symptoms of water deficit on plant growth, especially plant height, dry matter accumulation and leaf area. Low concentrations of SNP have shown to mitigate negative effects of water deficit in Physalis angulata plants, improving photosynthetic rates, maintenance of leaf water potential and growth.

Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense) is an Andean tropical fruit of the solanaceae family with high nutritional value. Its cultivation is gravely affected by the lethal disease produced by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. quitoense, causing severe economic losses. In this work we studied the possibility of boosting the plants’ natural defenses to the fungus by using plant hormones. Our results show that spraying jasmonic acid or sodium nitroprusside (a NO donor) on naranjilla plantlets before Fusarium inoculation protected them from infection, and elicited strong activation of the corresponding signaling pathway, suggesting a mechanism of defense priming triggered by those compounds.

Gradual vs punctuated and unidirectional (only lengthening) vs. bidirectional (lengthenings and shortenings) modes of evolution are explanations that compete to explain adaptive changes of flower tube length in angiosperm. The nightshade genus Salpichroa Miers, with 21 species mostly growing in the tropical Andes of southern South America, has the opportune qualities of including nearly 15-fold inter-specific variation in corolla tube length, as well as one species that is a candidate for participating in evolutionary escalation with the longest-billed hummingbird, Ensifera ensifera. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships using five molecular markers, the two plastid markers trnD-trnT and trnL, and three nuclear markers, ITS and two COSII, and estimated divergence times of the genus in order to reconstruct the history of both corolla tube length and pollination mode (i.e. hummingbirds, moths or multiple). We used comparative methods to determine whether corolla tube elongation/shortening is associated with shifts in pollination mode and to test, modes and rates of corolla tube change. We found evidence of both lengthening and shortening of corolla tubes. Evolutionary rates are consistent with rapid corolla tube length transitions that are only partly associated with shifts in pollination mode. Though punctuated evolution (i.e. large changes predominantly at speciation events) explained corolla changes in the whole genus, gradual evolution (i.e. gradual changes during a coevolutionary race with the same pollinator) was a better explanation for the change in the long-flowered clade, mostly pollinated by hummingbirds. Fil: Ibañez, Ana Clara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: More, Marcela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Salazar Chávez, Gerardo Adolfo. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Departamento de Botánica. Instituto de Biología; México Fil: Leiva González, Segundo. Universidad Privada Atenor Orrego. Museo de Historia Natural; Perú Fil: Barboza, Gloria Estela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Cocucci, Andrea Aristides. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina

Background/aim Solanum paniculatum L. (Solanaceae) is a plant native to South America where it is used in traditional medicine for different therapeutic indications. This study evaluated the chemical composition and the hepatoprotective and analgesic activities of S. paniculatum leaf extracts. Material and methods The chemical profile of an ethyl acetate partition (SPOE) of a S. paniculatum leaf infusion (SPAE) was analysed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESIMS). Liver protective effects of SPAE (600 and 1200 mg/kg bw, po), or SPOE (300 mg/kg bw, po) were evaluated in a C57BL/6 mouse model of acetaminophen (AP, 600 mg/kg bw, ip) hepatotoxicity by measuring alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferase activity in the serum, and reduced glutathione (GSH), and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARs) levels in the hepatic tissue. Results HPLC-ESIMS analysis of the SPOE fraction tentatively identified 35 flavonoids, esters of hydroxycinnamic acid and isomers of chlorogenic acid. SPAE (600 and 1200 mg/kg bw) and SPOE (300 mg/kg bw) antagonized the rise in ALT and AST, and the depletion of GSH, and elevation of TBARs levels in the liver caused by AP. The liver protective effects of SPOE (300 mg/kg bw) against AP-induced liver toxicity mimicked those of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC 300 or 600 mg/kg bw ip). The mouse writhing assay showed that SPOE (300 mg/kg bw po) has anti-nociceptive effects comparable to those of AP (180 mg/kg bw po). Conclusion This study suggests that an extract of S. paniculatum leaves (SPOE), rich in phenolic compounds, is a promising herbal drug to prevent and treat AP poisoning and presents analgesic properties as well.

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a clinical challenge because it lacks sensitivity to hormone therapy or other available molecule-targeted agents. In addition, TNBC frequently exhibits over-activation of the PI3K/Akt survival pathway that can contribute to chemotherapy resistance. 4β-Hydroxywithanolide E (4-HW) and withaferin A (WA) are two withanolides from Solanaceae plants that exhibit promising anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. Purpose The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the effects of 4-HW and WA on TNBC cells and underling mechanisms. Study design/methods The anticancer effects of 4-HW and WA were evaluated by cell viability, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis assays. PI3K/Akt signaling and the expression of survivin, Bcl-2 family proteins and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors were evaluated by Western blot. The role of PI3K/Akt signaling in the withanolides-induced anticancer effects was examined by using a PI3K inhibitor and overexpression of a constitutively active form of Akt. Results In TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells, 4-HW and WA displayed different kinetic effect on cell availability. Cell cycle analysis revealed that 4-HW induced the G1-phase arrest while WA caused the G2/M-phase block. Both withanolides induced apoptosis, but WA also caused necrosis. 4-HW inhibited the PI3K/Akt pathway and survivin expression as well as up-regulated the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p27. In contrast, WA is a more potent inhibitor of Hsp90 and elicited Akt activation at low doses but inhibited Akt signaling at higher doses by depleting the Akt protein. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 mimicked the effects of 4-HW and potentiated the cytotoxic activity of WA. In contrast, overexpressing a constitutively active form of myristoylated Akt rescue cancer cells from 4-HW-induced cell death. Conclusion The withanolides 4-HW and WA potently inhibit the viability of TNBC cells through induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis/necrosis. The PI3K/Akt pathway plays distinct roles in cancer cells respond to 4-HW and WA. These results suggest the potential applications of the withanolides for the treatment of TNBC.

Withania coagulans is one of the most important medicinal species of the Solanaceae which has pharmacological properties for future research in drug development. Photosynthesis and morphological parameters in response to drought of this species have not been investigated as yet, though the issue is of interest. The factorial combination of four water deficit stress (20% (un-stressed control), 30%, 40% and 50% of FC depletion) and four landraces of W. coagulans (Fanuj, Khash, Saravan and Sarbaz) were laid out in a randomized complete design in a phytotron over the course of 180 days. The first, second, third and fourth samplings were performed every 45 day after imposing the treatments (DAT). The results demonstrated that increase in the water deficit stress levels, decreased minimal fluorescence (F0), leaf greenness, photosynthesis rate, plant height, leaf area, dry weight and quantum yield of PSII photochemistry )ФPSII(in all landraces and maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII (Fv/Fm) in Fanuj, but increased non-photochemical quenching)NPQ(and Fv/Fm in Saravan and Sarbaz landraces. The W. coagulans landraces such as Fanuj with the highest vector loadings of ФPSII at 135 and 180 DAT and Fv/Fm at 45 DAT and Sarbaz with the highest vector loading of F0 at 45 DAT were found suitable for unstressed and severe stress conditions, respectively. Among the chlorophyll fluorescence and morphological parameters, total dry weight had the significant positive correlations with plant height, leaf area and F0 at 45 DAT. Thus, this study indicated chlorophyll florescence should be measured at different phases and future studies should focus on the sensitivity of these parameters to detect potential times among subjects of different stresses. These parameters are easy, cheap, efficient and reliable physiological characteristics which can be used to guide the breeding of new resistant genotypes. According to results, W. coagulans can be called "Xerophytes Camel".

Chilli pepper or hot pepper is an important spice and vegetable crop of family Solanaceae. It is susceptible to a number of viral diseases. So far 65 viruses have been reported including begomoviruses causing chilli leaf curl virus disease (ChiLCVD) in chilli growing areas throughout the world. This disease is very severe and even up to 100 per cent loss of marketable yield has been reported. Development of resistant varieties is effective, economical, ecologically safe and durable approach for management of virus diseases in agricultural crops. So, with this objective, a source of resistance i.e. S-343 was identified using natural and artificial screening against ChiLCVD. The virus species associated with this study was identified by sequencing, which showed the presence of Tomato leaf curl Joydebpur virus (ToLCJoV) in the inoculated plants. To study the genetics of resistance, MS 341 (a male sterile susceptible parent) was crossed with S-343 (resistance donor). After the artificial screening, the F1 plants were found resistant even after 90 days of transplantation. In the F2 generation, 204 plants segregate into 160 resistant and 44 susceptible plants. The results of Chi-square analysis indicated a good fit of this ratio in the hypothesis. Backcross to the susceptible parent segregated into 18 resistant and 12 susceptible plants, which also fit in the test cross ratio of 1:1. This suggested that the resistance carried by S-343 is controlled by a single dominant gene. This resistant source can further be used for transfer of the gene into other higher yielding genotypes and may also be used for mapping the gene conferring resistance against ChilCVD.

Capsicum belonging to the family Solanaceae is one of the most widely consumed crops in the world as a vegetable, spice and a raw salad and is distinctly valuable for its spicy pungent flavour. Proteomic investigation of crop plants is an essential step towards deciphering the functional basis of traits in an organism and to deepen our understanding on the regulation of various developmental patterns, biotic, and abiotic stress response and tolerance mechanisms. The differential proteome expression profiling of tissues during different developmental stages and under different conditions may indicate the specific proteome dynamics involved in the developmental programs and under stress conditions. Although substantial progress in proteomics of other Solanaceae plants has been made in the past two decades, a comprehensive review on Capsicum proteomics is still lacking. This review provides updated information on the advancement of Capsicum proteomic study in cytoplasmic male sterility, during fruit development and ripening, and under different biotic and abiotic stresses. Although limited information is available on the post translational protein modifications in Capsicum, a brief outline is given at the end detailing various post translational modifications. This proteomic update on Capsicum will be useful for future studies aimed at Capsicum improvement programs.

Genome editing technology using artificial nucleases, including zinc finger nuclease (ZFN), transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN), and clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9, can mutagenize the target sites of genes of interest. This technology has been successfully applied in several crops, including the Solanaceae plants, such as tomato, potato, tobacco, and petunia. Among the three nucleases, CRISPR-Cas9 is the best for breeding, crop improvement, and the functional analysis of genes of interest, because of its simplicity and high efficiency. Although the technology is useful for reverse genetics, its use in plants is limited due to a lack of regeneration protocols and sequence information. In this review, the present status of genome editing technology in Solanaceae plants is described, and techniques that may improve genome editing technologies are discussed.

In contrast to other species of the family Solanaceae, the hydroponic cultivation of potato is not widely used in agricultural (horticultural) practice. This kind of cultivation can be of significance as a model to study the accelerated breeding of new varieties or the biofortification process. The influence of SA on I and Se enrichment of potato plants has not, however, been recognised. Two-year studies were conducted in a greenhouse with hydroponic cultivation of the potato variety 'Vineta' c.v. in an nutrient film technique (NFT) system. They included the application of I (as KIO3), Se (as Na2SeO3) and SA in the nutrient solution. The tested combinations were as follows: (1) control, (2) I + Se, (3) I + Se + 0.1 mg SA∙dm−3, (4) I + Se + 1.0 mg SA∙dm−3, and (5) I + Se + 10.0 mg SA∙dm−3. I as KIO3 was used at a dose of 5 mg I·dm−3 (i.e. 39.4 μM I), while Se as Na2SeO3 was at a dose of 0.5 mg Se·dm−3 (i.e. 6.3 μM Se). SA was introduced at three doses: 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg dm−3 nutrient solutions, equivalent to 0.724 μM, 7.24 μM and 72.4 μM SA, respectively. Enriching the nutrient solutions in I, Se, and SA had no significant effect on yield of tubers. The dose of 1.0 mg SA∙dm−3 in combination with I + Se allowed the highest degree of accumulation of I in the peel of tubers, tubers, petioles, and leaves. The combined application of I + Se together with SA (in each of the doses of this acid used) caused a significant increase in the content of Se in the roots, and a decrease of its accumulation in the leaves and petioles. SA had no significant effect on the content of Se in the tubers of potatoes. The obtained level of enrichment of tubers in I and Se was safe for the consumer. The application of I + Se and also SA affected the increases in the contents of N, and Na in tubers and roots, as well as the contents of K in tubers, roots, and leaves. The applied compounds caused decreases in the contents of Mn and Zn in roots.

In vitro micropropagation based on transverse thin cell layer (tTCL), which utilizes a very small number of cells or tissues, has now emerged as a powerful tool in plant tissue differentiation and regeneration. In this study, intense, fast rate shoot multiplication has been achieved utilizing thin cell layer explants for endangered pharmaceutical plant Withania coagulans Dunal (family Solanaceae) having high hypoglycemic potential. To develop an efficient protocol for rapid in vitro propagation of W. coagulans stem node, shoot apical meristem (SAM), and tTCL were used as explants and inoculated in different strength of MS medium. The tTCL explant showed high frequency of shoot regeneration and was also affected by the concentration of plant growth regulators. The full strength solid MS medium was optimal for shoot regeneration (31.94 ± 1.39%) and the highest percent of shoots (93.05 ± 2.77) were observed in MS medium fortified with 2.0 mg l−1 BAP and 0.5 mg l−1 NAA. In contrast to tTCL, SAM cultured on the same medium showed significantly lower multiplication rate with only 1.16 ± 0.08 average shoots per responsive explants. The best rooting of the regenerated shoots was achieved in half strength liquid MS medium supplemented with 2 mg l−1 IBA. Plants were successfully transferred to the field after acclimatization with a survival rate of 90.6%. Monomorphic nature of ISSR and RAPD markers in this study confirmed the genetic fidelity of the in vitro raised tTCL clones. Quantification of withanolides content through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed 1.4 fold increases in withaferin A content and 1.6 fold withanolide A content in acclimatized field grown plants compared to field grown (wild type) plants. In acclimatized field grown plants the over-expression of SQS gene further attested the improved withanolide production in tTCL micropropagated plants having valuable anti-diabetic potential. The current study reveals the fast rate, cost effective micropropagation and conservation of W. coagulans through tTCL technique for its use as anti-diabetic agent at commercial level.

The Southern Hemisphere subfamily Mesostoinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) includes, in most cases, species associated with plant galls, although the details regarding their biological traits are largely unknown. In this contribution, Hydrangeocola llaollin sp. nov. is described based on specimens that develop as larval endoparasitoids of Centrodiplosis crassipes (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in stem galls on Lycium chilense (Solanaceae). The mature larva of a Neotropical mesostoine wasp is described here for the first time and is compared with the only known larva from Australia. Larval morphology is entirely congruent with features typical of endoparasitoid species, which together with male genital features clearly relates Hydrangeocola with the South American genus Andesipolis, but separates it from the Australian phytophagous genus Mesostoa. These findings reveal the relevance of larval and male genital characters for our comprehension of the relationships among representatives of this poorly known braconid subfamily. Fil: Martinez, Juan Jose. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Corro Molas, Barbara Mariana. Universidad Nacional de la Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Naturales; Argentina Fil: Diez, Fernando. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Cornejo, Laura Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina

Eleven withanolides including six previously undescribed compounds, 16β-hydroxyixocarpanolide, 24,25-dihydroexodeconolide C, 16,17-dehydro-24-epi-dioscorolide A, 17-epi-philadelphicalactone A, 16-deoxyphiladelphicalactone C, and 4-deoxyixocarpalactone A were isolated from aeroponically grown Physalis philadelphica. Structures of these withanolides were elucidated by the analysis of their spectroscopic (HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR, ECD) data and comparison with published data for related withanolides. Cytotoxic activity of all isolated compounds was evaluated against a panel of five human tumor cell lines (LNCaP, ACHN, UO-31, M14 and SK-MEL-28), and normal (HFF) cells. Of these, 17-epi-philadelphicalactone A, withaphysacarpin, philadelphicalactone C, and ixocarpalactone A exhibited cytotoxicity against ACHN, UO-31, M14 and SK-MEL-28, but showed no toxicity to HFF cells.

Capsicum comprises 35 species of chili peppers and five of them are cultivated worldwide as spices or vegetables. Diploid karyotypes based in x = 12 and x = 13 are common in Capsicum and the constitutive heterochromatin (cHet) is of particular interest in the genus since it is largely variable, particularly its highly GC-rich fraction. However, the repetitive DNA components of this heterochromatic regions are unknown. Given the co-localization of rDNA loci with the CMA+DAPI– heterochromatic bands, we tested the hypothesis that the highly GC-rich cHet fraction is composed of the whole 18S-25S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) unit or some of its components. Here we report on a novel satellite for Capsicum and Solanaceae composed of the complete rDNA unit. We physically mapped six Capsicum derived specific 18S-25S rDNA probes that covered the entire span of the rDNA unit and analysed a DraI restriction product on eight chromosomally different taxa of Capsicum, representative of the major phylogenetic clades of chili peppers. The co-localization of every gene and spacer probes of the 18S-25S rDNA unit suggest their structural function as a major repetitive component of the highly GC-rich cHet in Capsicum species with x = 12. In addition, analyses of the clones derived from restriction assays in C. pubescens suggested that the differential functional status of 18S-25S rDNA loci (nucleolar organizer regions -NORs- or cHet) in this species is related to a divergence in a short sequence upstream the regulatory transcription initiation site (TIS) of the intergenic spacer (IGS). The results here provided evidence that an rDNA mega satellite played a significant role in the evolution of the karyotype features of x = 12 Capsicum species. The finding of a mega satellite family derived from the whole rDNA unit is a novelty for plant genomes. Fil: Grabiele, Mauro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical; Argentina Fil: Debat, Humberto Julio. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigaciones Agropecuarias. Instituto de Patología Vegetal; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Scaldaferro, Marisel Analía. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Aguilera, Patricia Mabel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical; Argentina Fil: Moscone, Eduardo Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Seijo, José Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste; Argentina Fil: Ducasse, Daniel Adrián. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigaciones Agropecuarias. Instituto de Patología Vegetal; Argentina

Phytochemical investigation of the roots of Solanum melongena L. resulted in the isolation of six new steroidal saponins, including five new cholestane saponins (1-5) and one new steroidal alkaloid (6), along with one new natural product (7) and three know steroids (8-10). The structures of all isolated compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR experiments and by comparison of their spectroscopic and physical data with literature values. The inhibitory activities on nitric oxide (NO) production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a RAW 264.7 cell line were assayed for all the isolated compounds. Compounds 1, 2 and 4–9 exhibited moderate inhibition of NO production with IC50 values ranging from 12.6 to 59.5 μM.

Angiosperms produce seeds as their progeny enclosed in maternally-derived structures called fruits. Evolutionarily, fruits have contributed enormously to the success of the Angiosperms phylum by providing protection and nutrition to the developing seeds, while ensuring the efficient dispersal upon maturity. Fruits vary massively in both size and shape and certain species have been targeted for domestication due to their nutritional value and delicious taste. Among the vast array of 3D fruit shapes that exist in nature, the mechanism by which growth is oriented and coordinated to generate this diversity of forms is unclear. In this review, we discuss the latest results in identifying components that control fruit morphology and their effect on isotropic and anisotropic growth. Moreover, we will compare the current knowledge on the mechanisms that control fruit growth, size and shape between the domesticated Solanaceae species, tomato and members of the large family of Brassicaceae.

Tobacco seeds, available as an untitilized byproduct of the commercial leaf production in many countries around the world, can be a valuable source of natural products with biological activity. The genus Nicotiana (Solanaceae) includes more than 65 species, but the most economically important and commercially cultivated is Nicotiana tabacum L. (common tobacco) and to a much lesser degree N. rustica L. (Aztec tobacco). The objective of this study was to evaluate tobacco seed oil and cakes of three tobacco species: two genotypes of N. alata Link & Otto (jasmine tobacco), N. rustica, and N. tabacum, with respect to their potential uses. The glyceride seed oil content was 37.6% and 40.9% for the two genotypes of N. alata, 37.5% for N. rustica, and 30.9% for N. tabacum. Overall, the content of phospholipids was 0.2–0.3% in the oils. Total sterol amount in the oils was 0.35–0.48%. The main component was β-sitosterol, followed by cholesterol and Δ5-avenasterol (in N. alata, white petals), cholesterol and campesterol (in N. alata, pink petals), campesterol and Δ5-avenasterol (in N. rustica), and campesterol and stigmasterol (in N. tabacum). In the tocopherol fraction (101, 117, 178, and 106 mgkg−1 in N. alata white and pink forms, N. rustica, and N. tabacum, respectively in the oils) the most predominant (higher than 97%) was the γ-tocopherol. Overall, the main fatty acids (FA) in the three Nicotiana species were linoleic (61.7–67.6% range), oleic (15.5–19.0%), and palmitic (9.1–12.5%). The remaining seed cakes (after Soxhlet extraction of glyceride oil), potentially valuable nutrient by-products, were characterized with regard to their content of minerals, cellulose, proteins, and amino acids. Seed cake cellulose content varied between 32.5 and 45.2%, and protein content was 26.7–34.1%. Seed cakes were rich in mineral macro- and micronutrients, with some differences between the species. Highest content of total nitrogen and protein were found in N. rustica (5.5% and 34.1%, respetively), and highest content of cellulose was found in N. alata (white petals genotype). Potassium concentration was higher in N. tabacum and N. rustica cakes, whereas the concentrations of iron and zinc were highest in N. alata (pink petals genotype). Amino acid composition was dominated by aspartic acid, arginine, and threonine in N. alata, and by arginine, aspartic acid, and histidine in N. rustica. The results suggest potential alternative uses of tobacco seeds and cake as animal feed, and possibly as feedstock for new consumer human health products. The concentration of amino acids important for animal nutrition (lysine, methionine, and cysteine) in tobacco seed cakes was low, implying a need for careful combination with other animal diet ingredients.

To determine whether the living hyperaccumulator plants and their straws have the same effects on the growth and heavy metal accumulation of common plants, two pot experiments (intercropping experiment and straw mulch experiment) were conducted to study the effects of living hyperaccumulator plants (Solanum photeinocarpum, Tagetes erecta, Galinsoga parviflora and Bidens pilosa) and their straws on the growth and cadmium (Cd) accumulation of common plant Cyphomandra betacea seedlings. Intercropping with T. erecta or B. pilosa promoted the growth of C. betacea seedlings compared with the monoculture, while intercropping with S. photeinocarpum or G. parviflora inhibited that. Intercropping with S. photeinocarpum decreased the Cd contents in the roots and shoots of C. betacea seedlings compared with the monoculture, but intercropping with the other plants did not. In the straw mulch experiment, the straw of S. photeinocarpum or T. erecta promoted the growth of C. betacea seedlings compared with the control, while the straw of G. parviflora or B. pilosa did not. The straw of S. photeinocarpum or T. erecta decreased the Cd contents in the shoots of C. betacea seedlings, and the straw of G. parviflora or B. pilosa increased the shoot Cd contents. Thus, intercropping with S. photeinocarpum and applying S. photeinocarpum or T. erecta straw can reduce the Cd uptake of C. betacea.

[Ethnopharmacological relevance]: The different species of the genus Datura have been used traditionally by some pre-Columbian civilizations, as well as in medieval rituals linked to magic and witchcraft in both Mexico and Europe. It is also noteworthy the use of different alkaloids obtained from the plants for medicinal purposes in the treatment of various groups of diseases, especially of the respiratory and muscularskeletal systems., [Aim of the study]: A review of the ethnobotanical uses of the genus Datura in Mexico and Spain has been conducted. We focus on the medicinal and ritualistic uses included in modern ethnobotanical studies, emphasizing the historical knowledge from post-colonial American Codices and medieval European texts. Datura's current social emergency as a drug of recreation and leisure, as well as its link to crimes of sexual abuse is also considered. The work is completed with some notes about the distribution and ecology of the different species and a phytochemical and pharmacological review of Datura alkaloids, necessary to understand their arrival in Europe and the ethnobotanical uses made since then., [Materials and methods]: A literature review and compilation of information on traditional medicinal uses of the genus has been carried out from the main electronic databases. Traditional volumes (codices) have also been consulted in libraries of different institutions. Consultations have been made with the National Toxicological Services of Spain and Mexico for toxicological data., [Results]: A total of 118 traditional uses were collected in both territories, 111 medicinal ones to be applied in 76 conditions or symptoms included in 13 pathological groups. Although there are particular medicinal uses in the two countries, we found up to 15 similar uses, of which 80% were previously mentioned in post-Colonial American codices. Applications in the treatment of asthma and rheumatism are also highlighted. Apart from medicinal uses, it is worth noting their cultural and social uses, in the case of Mexico relating to diseases such as being scared, astonishment or falling in love, and in the case of Spain, as a recreational drug and lately, for criminal purposes., [Conclusions]: This review highlights the variety of uses traditionally given to the different species in both territories. The fact that most of the coincident or similar uses in both countries also appear in the classical codices can be found an example of the flow, not only of the plants from America to Europe, but also of their associated information. It is also relevant that particular uses have derived in both countries, reflecting the difference in the cultural factors and traditions linked to rituals and cultural practices. Finally, the significant growth of Datura consumption in recent years as a drug of leisure and recreation, as well as in crimes of sexual submission, should be considered as research of maximum relevance in the field of forensic botany and toxicology., To the Center for Initiatives for Cooperation and Development (CICODE) of the University of Granada for the granting of the Research Project: BIOENAH-Botanic Garden Cruz Badiano, in its X Edition; to the National School of Anthropology and History (ENAH), for the data referring to the ethnobotanical use in Mexico.

The florivorous weevil Anthonomus santacruzi Hustache (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was first released in South Africa in 2009 to reduce fruiting by the invasive Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (Solanaceae). Additional releases during 2011–2014 achieved widespread establishment in KwaZulu-Natal Province, notably in its warmer coastal regions. The aims of this study were to determine whether A. santacruzi abundance: (i) varied monthly at coastal versus inland sites; (ii) was influenced by floral availability and the numbers of ants associated with S. mauritianum inflorescences and; (iii) negatively affected the weed’s fruit production. Sampling over a 12-month period indicated that A. santacruzi abundance varied seasonally across coastal and inland sites, with populations consistently peaking in the austral autumn months and declining during winter. Although A. santacruzi numbers were significantly positively correlated with floral availability in the previous month

Guided by the UPLC-ESIMS profile, seven previously undescribed halogenated dihydroisocoumarins, palmaerones A-G, along with eleven known dihydroisocoumarins, were isolated from Lachnum palmae, an endophytic fungus from Przewalskia tangutica by exposure to a histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA. Structures of the isolates were elucidated by analysis of their NMR, MS and optical rotation values. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of palmaerones A-G were evaluated. Palmaerones A-G showed antimicrobial activities against the strains (C. neoformans, Penicillium sp., C. albicans, B. subtilis and S. aureus), and palmaerone E exhibited potential antimicrobial activities against all the test strains with the MIC value in the range of 10–55 μg/mL. Palmaerones A and E exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, with the IC50 values of 26.3 and 38.7 μM, respectively and no obvious toxicities were observed at 50 μM. Palmaerone E showed weak cytotoxicity against HepG2 with the IC50 value of 42.8 μM. This work provides an effective strategy for expanding natural product resource.

Concerns over the harmful effects of synthetic insecticides have stimulated interest in alternative pest management tactics including botanical insecticides that provide novel modes of action against pests that have developed resistance against synthetic insecticides. Much work has been conducted using plants native to various developing countries but the Australian flora has been little explored as a source of novel plant protection treatments. Here we report potent insecticidal properties of the Australian plant, native tobacco Nicotiana megalosiphon against three key pests of brassicas: the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), cabbage aphid (Brevicoryne brassicae) and the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). Aqueous extracts (1%, 5% and 10% w/v) of N. megalosiphon gave up to 100% control of P. xylostella; better than the recommended rate of tau-fluvalinate (a synthetic pyrethroid) or equivalent extracts of a second Australian native plant, Mentha satureioides. Treatment with N. megalosiphon also gave 100% control of B. brassicae at the highest two concentrations, and of M. persicae at the highest concentration. In a second study using F1 P. xylostella survivors of tau-fluvalinate treatment, the highest two rates of N. megalosiphon caused 100% mortality though efficacy of tau-fluvalinate was eroded compared with use on the previous generation. Chemical analysis of N. megalosiphon recorded the presence of anabasine at 5.2 μg/ml in water extracts of leaves and 59.4 μg/ml in methanol extracts of leaves. While these concentrations were low particularly for the water extracts they might nevertheless explain the biological activity of N. megalosiphon.

Flowers that release their powdery pollen by being vibrated through buzzing are morphologically diverse and have evolved many times independently. Most prominently, buzz-pollination is known from Solarium (Solanaceae) defining the "solanoid" flower type by Knut Fgri. The flowers of buzz-pollinated, Australian Halgania resemble the actinomorphic Solarium floral architecture: The plants have a yellow anther cone with an apical pore, protruding from a widely funnel-shaped to rotate, blue to violet corolla. However, Fgri rejected the solanoid flower type for some of the Halgania species due to a contracted inflorescence, a funnel-shaped corolla or an ostensible lack of a female stage. Using light and scanning electron microscopy, we investigated traits referring to the floral architecture of Halgania and compared the flowers of different species. In all investigated species the anthers of the cone are connected via long, intertwined trichomes (denoted "capillinection") both between the individual anthers and in the central stylar channel. The anther opening is functionally reduced to an apical pore by 1) capillinection and spatial compression of the thecal walls, leaving only small apical slits and 2) by anther appendages that unify the ten slits to a single pore. Halgania flowers are morphologically similar to each other and are buzz-pollinated. We conclude that they are all structurally and functionally matching the flowers of tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, and thus the concept of solanoid flowers as defined by Knut Fagri.

During the past decade, the ability to alter plant genomes in a DNA site-specific manner was realized through availability of sequenced genomes and emergence of editing technologies based on complexes that guide endonucleases. Generation of targeted DNA breaks by ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9, then mending by repair mechanisms, provides a valuable foundation for studies of gene function and trait modification. Genome editing has been successful in several food crops, including those belonging to the Solanaceae, which contains some of the most widely used, economically important ones such as tomato and potato. Application of new breeding technologies has the potential to not only address deficiencies of current crops, but to also transform underutilized species into viable sources to diversify and strengthen our food supply.

Watermelon chlorotic stunt virus (WmCSV) is a bipartite begomovirus that causes severe diseases to cucurbits, particularly watermelon, across Eastern Mediterranean countries. Watermelon plants showing begomovirus-associated symptoms and virus vector whitefly infestation were collected from a cultivated area in Sonora, Mexico. Using rolling circle amplification (RCA) and sequencing, the full-length genome of an isolate of WmCSV was obtained. Agrobacterium-mediated virus inoculation to Solanaceae ( Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato) and Cucurbitaceae (Squash, melon and watermelon) plants, fulfilled Koch's postulates confirming the disease causal agent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of WmCSV associated to cucurbit diseases in the Western Hemisphere.

The urgent need to increase sustainable crop production has pushed the agricultural sector towards methods based on natural products such as biostimulants. The nursery industry holds strategic importance for modern horticulture because only “high quality” seedlings can guarantee productive success. The aim of our research was to assess the effects of a microgranule plant-derived biostimulant added to the transplants’ substrate. Biometric parameters, mineral composition, total chlorophylls, carotenoids, and total phenols content of eggplant (Solanum melongena L., cv. Mirabelle F1), pepper (Capsicum annuum L., cv. Tarquinio F1), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., cv. Taylor F1) at four different biostimulant doses (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 g L−1) were evaluated. Compared to the untreated control, the use of the highest dose of microgranule biostimulant (4.0 g L−1) increased shoot dry weight by 73%, 61%, and 33% and root dry weight by 37%, 34%, 36%, for eggplant, pepper, and tomato, respectively. Similarly, the nitrogen and potassium contents of eggplant, pepper, and tomato plants were positively affected by biostimulant application. Total chlorophylls content and carotenoids were significantly affected only in tomato leaves with the 2.0 and 4.0 g L−1 doses while no significant differences for total phenols were recorded in transplant leaves of tested vegetable crops. Chlorophyll a/b decreased in eggplant and pepper with increasing microgranular-based PHs rates, indicating a greater accumulation of chlorophyll b than chlorophyll a. Our results show that microgranule biostimulant application directly mixed in the substrate can improve the quali-quantitative traits of nursery seedlings while reducing the excessive use of fertilizers and concomitantly producing vigorous seedlings potentially capable of overcoming easily transplant stress.

Anisodus acutangulus (Solanaceae), an important folk medicinal herb in China, produces up to 1.2% alkaloids more than that in other Solanaceae plants such as Hyoscyamus niger, while its evolutionary position in Hyoscyameae is not very clear. Objective: To explain the evolutionary position of A. acutangulus in the Solanaceae via complete chloroplast genome(cp) sequence. Methods: Complete chloroplast genome of A. acutangulus was obtained and characterized using the Illumina PE150 pair-end sequencing data. Structure of the genome, codon usage, nucleotide variability (Pi) value, distribution of repeats and SSRs between A. acutangulus and other seven Solanaceae species were analyzed. Previously published 22 Solanaceae cp genomes were used to construct phylogenetic tree. Results: The complete cp genome of A. acutangulus is 156082 bp in length, showed the typical quadripartite structure. The complete cp genome of A. acutangulus was highly conserved. A total of 112 unique genes were found in cp genome of A. acutangulus, among which 17 were duplicated. Further, we found eight hotspot regions for genome divergence could be explored as new DNA barcodes for the identification of the Solanaceae species. Phylogenetic analysis showed that A. acutangulus formed a clade with H. niger. Conclusion: A. acutangulus belongs to Hyoscyameae subfamily and the complete cp genome provides valuable information for phylogenetic reconstruction or comparative genomics of A. acutangulus.

Acylsugars are allelochemicals secreted by type IV trichomes in leaves and have been associated with resistance to arthropod pests in Solanaceae species. Eighty-seven putative genes were identified in Solanum lycopersicum and 77 in Solanum pennellii involved in the acylsugar pathway, including genes coding key proteins branched-chain keto acid dehydrogenase E2 (BCKD E2), 2-isopropylmalate synthase A (IPMSA), and threonine deaminase/dehydratase (TD). These putative tomato proteins displayed conservation in the conserved domains distribution and amino acids presence of catalytically active site comparing to homologous BCKD E2, IPMSA, and TD proteins from the acylsugar pathway. Phylogenetic analysis of the putative proteins BCKD E2, IPMSA, and TD showed that all putative tomato proteins grouped with their orthologs from the Solanaceae species, corroborating with the distribution of the tree of life. The BCKD E2 and the IPMSA transcripts from S. pennellii showed higher gene expression compared to S. lycopersicum transcripts, suggesting that the acylsugar pathway is more active in wild than in cultivated tomato. In addition, we checked the expression of these genes at three different times (30, 60 and 90 days after planting). The 60-day plants showed higher expression of these genes than the 30- and 90-day plants, which indicates a greater production of metabolites in the flowering stage and suggests that at this development stage the plant demands more defense against pests that may be attracted by flowers. Given the important role of the allelochemicals produced in Solanaceae, the results contribute to a better understanding of acylsugars and their processing pathways and open up opportunities to study their relationship with biotic resistance in these important species and other Solanaceae species.

The brinjal eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important vegetable species worldwide, while African eggplants (S. aethiopicum L., S. macrocarpon L.) are indigenous vegetable species of local significance. Taxonomy of eggplants and their wild relatives is complicated and still unclear. Hence, the objective of the study was to clarify taxonomic position of cultivars and landraces of brinjal, its wild relatives and African eggplant species and their wild ancestors using chemotaxonomic markers and multivariate analysis techniques for data processing, with special attention paid to the recognition of markers characteristic for each group of the plants. The total of 34 accessions belonging to 9 species from genus Solanum L. were used in the study. Chemotaxonomic analysis was based on the profiles of cuticular n-alkanes and methylalkanes, obtained using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography with flame ionization detector. Standard hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used for the classification, while the latter and two-way HCA allowed to identify markers responsible for the clustering of the species. Cultivars, landraces and wild forms of S. melongena were practically identical in terms of their taxonomic position. The results confirmed high and statistically significant distinctiveness of all African eggplant species from the brinjal eggplant. The latter was characterized mostly by abundant long chain hydrocarbons in the range of 34–37 carbon atoms. The differences between both African eggplant species were, however, also statistically significant; S. aethiopicum displayed the highest contribution of 2-methylalkanes to the total cuticular hydrocarbons, while S. macrocarpon was characterized by elevated n-alkanes in the range of 25–32 carbon atoms. Wild ancestors of both African eggplant species were identical with their cultivated relatives. Concluding, high usefulness of the chemotaxonomic approach in classification of this important group of plants was confirmed.

Rhizoctonia solani is a broad spectrum fungal pathogen that infects crops in greenhouse and field conditions causing plants damping-off and fruit rot which provoke serious yield losses. This study prospected the use of bacterial volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to control R. solani infection on tomato seedlings and fruit in order to search for an alternative to the use of chemical pesticides. Seed-born bacterial endophytes were isolated from the cultivated Solanum lycopersicum and the wild Solanum linnaeanum species. This study showed a host- and organ-specific colonization of endophytic bacteria at early seedling stage with most of them colonizes the cotyledons in comparison to stems and roots. Overall, 51 % and 11 % of isolated endophytic bacteria produce antifungal VOCs against R. solani at 7 d and 14 d of dual culture, respectively. The majority (about 78 %) of the antagonistic bacterial endophytes showed promoting activity on tomato seedling growth. For the bioprotection tests the strains TRC7 and TRC10 of Bacillus subtilis and TRT11 of B. megateriumwere selected as the most antagonistic and PGP endophytic bacteria and a non-antagonistic strain SMLR7 of Paenibacillus sp., with this later strain reported for the first time colonizing internal seed tissues of S. linnaeanum. The VOCs of the strain TRC7 showed the best pattern of decrease of R. solani rotting on tomato fruit, and increase the hypocotyl length, the radicle length, the fresh weight, and the vigor of tomato seedlings. The identification of the VOCs produced by the antagonistic Bacillus strains showed a core set of four compounds i.e. 2-Heptanone; Pyrazine, 2,5-dimethyl-; Naphthalene; and Benzenamine, N-ethyl- which was the most abundant. All the four VOCs showed antifungal activity against R. solani in vitro growth, and to our knowledge this activity is reported for the first time for Benzenamine, N-ethyl- and 2-Heptanone. The Benzenamine, N-ethyl- showed the best antifungal activity with an IC50 about 0.09 mL L−1 headspace and proved to be effective in reducing R. solani rotting on tomato fruit at the same concentration. So, this work provides evidence about VOCs-mediated biocontrol ability of Bacillus strains to reduce R. solani seedling damping-off and fruit rot of tomato making them valuable agents for pre- and postharvest control of this disease.