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Solanum nigrum L. is an annual undomesticated berry plant of Solanaceae. The fruits of S. nigrum are tiny, but there are about 25 seeds in a single fruit. The total number of seeds produced in one plant can reach more than 3 000. The height is about 30 - 40 cm, and the whole growth cycle is two months when S. nigrum was cultivated in the light incubator of the laboratory. The Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation has been established in S. nigrum. So S. nigrum has the characteristics of model plants. AcMYB110, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor from kiwi (Actinidia spp.), was transformed into S. nigrum mediated by A. tumefaciens. The results indicated that the petals of 35S:AcMYB110 S. nigrum plants are pink compared with white petals in wild-type plants, and content of anthocyanins was significantly increased in the pericarp from young fruit to its maturity, especially in the central part of the fruit flesh. The results showed that the ectopic expression of AcMYB110 in S. nigrum is consistent with the expression of AcMYB110 in kiwi. This suggests that AcMYB110 plays a conserved role in regulating anthocyanins synthesis in fruits and can be potentially applied for improvement of the anthocyanins content in horticulture fruits breeding.

Cancer poses a serious threat to human health and overall well-being. Conventional cancer treatments predominantly encompass surgical procedures and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, the substantial side effects and the emergence of drug resistance in patients significantly diminish their quality of life and overall prognosis. There is an acute need for innovative, efficient therapeutic agents to address these challenges. Plant-based herbal medicines and their derived compounds offer promising potential for cancer research and treatment due to their numerous advantages. Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum), a traditional Chinese medicine, finds extensive use in clinical settings. The steroidal compounds within S. nigrum, particularly steroidal alkaloids, exhibit robust antitumor properties either independently or when combined with other drugs. Many researchers have delved into unraveling the antitumor mechanisms of the active components present in S. nigrum, yielding notable progress. This literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the research advancements concerning the active constituents of S. nigrum. Furthermore, it outlines the action mechanisms of select monomeric anticancer ingredients. Overall, the insights derived from this review offer a new perspective on the development of clinical anticancer drugs.

Introduction: Cancer contributes to a high mortality rate worldwide spanning its diversity from genetics to resistant therapeutic response. To date emerging strategies to combat and manage cancer are particularly focused on the development of targeted therapies as conventional treatments account for the destruction of normal cells as well. In this regard, medicinal plant-based therapies are quite promising in imposing minimal side effects; however, limitations like poor bioavailability and stability of bioactive phytochemicals are associated with them. In parallel, nanotechnology provides nominal solution to deliver particular therapeutic agent without compromising its stability.Methods: In this study, Solanum nigrum, an effective medicinal plant, loaded arabinoxylan cross-linked β-cyclodextrin nanosponges (SN-AXCDNS) were designed to evaluate antitumor activity against breast cancer. Therefore, SN-AXCDNS were prepared by using cross-linker melt method and characterized by physicochemical and pharmacological parameters.Results: Hydrodynamic size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency (EE%) were estimated as 226 ± 4 nm, −29.15 ± 5.71 mV and 93%, respectively. Surface morphology of nanocomposites showed spherical, smooth, and porous form. Antitumor pharmacological characterization showed that SN loaded nanosponge demonstrated higher cytotoxicity (22.67 ± 6.11 μg/mL), by inducing DNA damage as compared to void SN extract. Flow cytometry analysis reported that encapsulated extract promoted cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 (9.51%). Moreover, in vivo analysis demonstrates the reduction in tumor weight and 85% survival chances in nanosponge treated mice featuring its effectiveness. In addition, in silico analysis revealed that β-cyclodextrin potentially inhibits MELK in breast cancer cell lines (B.E = −10.1 Kcal/mol).Conclusion: Therefore, findings of current study elucidated the therapeutic potential of β-cyclodextrin based nanosponges to be an alternative approach regarding the delivery and solubilization of antitumor drugs.

The need to find alternatives to synthetic herbicides has led to the evaluation of the use of allelopathic biomass from different agroforestry species as soil amendments for weed control. Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. (apple mint) could be a suitable candidate as an ecoherbicide due to its availability in the agroecosystem, well-studied biological activities, and known chemical composition. For the present study, two greenhouse pot experiments were conducted by incorporating flowering aerial biomass of apple mint into the soil. In the first one, the potential phytotoxic effects of M. suaveolens at doses 1 and 2% were evaluated on the germination and growth of maize and its accompanying weeds. In a second temporary assay, the duration of phytotoxicity and the effects of apple mint (0.5% dose) on the physicochemical properties of the soil were elucidated. The soluble (phenolics and organic acids) and volatile compounds potentially releasable from the allelopathic biomass were identified. The apple mint exerted adverse effects on the germination and growth of dicotyledonous weed species, especially Amaranthus retroflexus and Solanum nigrum, with almost 100% inhibition, as well as on the growth of monocotyledonous weeds such as Digitaria sanguinalis, with a reduction of more than 95%. On the contrary, maize yield and soil properties pH, CECe, organic matter, and exchangeable cations were improved by the ecoherbicide. Chemical analyses of apple mint aerial biomass revealed the presence of 7 phenolic compounds, 9 organic acids, and 32 volatiles. For this study, the effects of incorporating M. suaveolens aerial biomass into soil were evaluated for the first time, and it was demonstrated that it has potential as an eco-friendly plant-based tool for Integrated Weed Management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solamargine (SM), an active compound derived from Solanum nigrum, triggers apoptosis and inhibits the metastatic and oxidative activities of various types of tumor cells. However, the effect of SM on human renal carcinoma cells remains unknown. In the present study, the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor effects of SM on ACHN and 786-O cells were elucidated. Specifically, MTT and colony formation assays were conducted to evaluate the impact of SM treatment on the proliferation of ACHN and 786-O cells, and flow cytometry was conducted to determine the influence of SM on the apoptosis rates of these cells. In addition, the expression of target proteins was determined by western blotting. The results revealed that SM not only inhibited cell viability but also promoted the apoptosis of ACHN and 786-O cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment of ACHN and 786-O cells with SM significantly enhanced the caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9 activities. Furthermore, SM downregulated the expression of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (p-STAT3) and Bcl-2 but increased the expression of cleaved caspase-3, -8, -9 and Bax. BAY2353, a p-STAT3 inhibitor, inhibited the viability of ACHN and 786-O cells, increased the expression of cleaved caspase-9 and Bax and decreased the expression of p-STAT3 and Bcl-2. Further experiments demonstrated that SM inhibited tumor growth in xenograft nude mice without causing specific toxicity to the major organs. Collectively, these findings indicated that SM not only inhibited the viability but also promoted the apoptosis of ACHN and 786-O cells, through a mechanism involving downregulation of p-STAT3 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) is an important pathogen that severely affects tomato and potato production. Several Solanaceae species are naturally and experimentally susceptible to PSTVd, implying that Solanaceae weeds can be a reservoir of PSTVd through infected seeds in crop fields. To determine whether PSTVd is seed-transmissible in solanaceous weed species, we examined seed transmission rates and localization of PSTVd in the reproductive organs of Solanum nigrum and Physalis angulata. The results revealed that the seed transmission rate of PSTVd was 0%–50% and 89.7%–100% in S. nigrum and P. angulata, respectively, suggesting that these weed species act as reservoirs of PSTVd, and their seed seems to be an important source of PSTVd. While the seed transmission rate in S. nigrum was 0%–8% for PSTVd isolate VP35, it was 10.5%–50% for isolate VP72-1. In situ hybridization analysis showed that isolate VP72-1 (but not VP35) successfully invaded the ovule and embryo of S. nigrum, suggesting that the transmission rate in S. nigrum might depend on the distribution pattern of PSTVd in ovules and embryos. This is the first report to show the distribution patterns of a viroid in the reproductive organs of solanaceous weed species during their developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation of lead (Pb) in contaminated soils using hyper-enriched plants is an important task. It is a green and sustainable measure. Studies have revealed that three ornamental plants, Tagetes patula (T. patula), Solanum nigrum (S. nigrum), and Mirabilis jalapa (M. jalapa), have the ability to enrich for Pb; however, studies on difference between them and root morphology and the relationship between tolerance and capacity are lacking. The ability of three lead-enriching plants, T. patula, S. nigrum, and M. jalapa, to cope with Pb stress was assessed in hydroponic experiments using five Pb stress concentrations (0–1000 mg/L). Under different Pb stress conditions, the growth of the shoots and roots of three tested ornamental plants was inhibited to varying degrees. In the three tested ornamental plants, Pb mainly accumulated in the roots, and the highest levels of Pb observed in the shoots of T. patula, S. nigrum, and M. jalapa were 1074.1 mg/kg, 958.7 mg/kg, and 975.3 mg/kg, respectively. All plants reached a critical level of Pb hyperaccumulation. Redundancy analysis showed that changes in the root architecture of the three tested ornamental plants were significantly and positively correlated with tolerance as well as the enrichment and transfer ability of the heavy metal Pb. Therefore, these three ornamental plants have the potential to remediate Pb-contaminated water and soil and can increase the tolerance and enrichment characteristics of Pb by regulating the root biomass and root length of the three test ornamental plants via various agronomic measures. In addition, more research should be conducted to assess their effectiveness as phytoextractants under field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The escalating demand for effective and sustainable weed management strategies, driven by urbanization expansion, is a critical challenge. Herbicides are pivotal tools in modern agriculture, addressing this challenge. Developing novel herbicides with enhanced efficacy and minimal environmental impact is crucial for food security and ecological balance. While numerous herbicides have been developed with varying availability over time and regions, there's a continuous need for innovation. In this study, we explored relatively understudied sulfoxide-containing herbicides and synthesized a smaller yet substantial sulfoxide scaffold for herbicide development. Through screening Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler, Amaranthus lividus L., and Solanum nigrum L., we observed promising herbicidal efficacy, especially against Wild Amaranth. Encouraged by preliminary findings, we recognize the potential for refining the core structure. In summary, we fashioned a structurally simple sulfoxide scaffold showcasing discernible herbicidal impact on broadleaf weeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The medieval Castle Kolno, situated near the village of Stare Kolnie, served as a custom house at the confluence of the rivers Budkowiczanka and Stobrawa. Numerous diaspores of plants were found in archaeological excavations, in the layers of the 14th-15th centuries AD. The excavations were located near the former access road, where increased human activity has affected the composition of the fossil macroremains of plants. Two Brassica species (cabbage B. oleracea and black mustard B. nigra) cultivated in small fields near the castle were recognised. Diaspores of weeds and ruderal plants were also deposited at the site. The most frequent were: Solanum nigrum, Setaria pumila, Chenopodium album, Rumex acetosella, Persicaria lapathifolia, and Urtica dioica. The collected set of fossil diaspores is composed of plant species associated with anthropogenic habitats and shows the dispersal dynamics in various micro-niches within them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) is an annual grass and is known as a Cd-hyperaccumulator. The current study aims to use a natural biostimulant, i.e., yeast extract, to improve the phytoremediation capacity of S. nigrum in a pot experiment. S. nigrum was cultivated in a Cd-contaminated soil and treated with yeast extract (20% w/v) via soil or foliar application. The experiment included four treatments: control (C), yeast extract applied via soil (S), yeast extract applied via foliar spraying (F), and yeast extract applied via soil and foliar application (SF). The treatments of yeast extract were laid out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with six replicates. The plants of S. nigrum sprayed with yeast extract in combination with soil addition had the highest significant values of Cd in the plant shoot. The addition of yeast extract significantly increased the phytoremediation indexes compared to the control. The addition of yeast extract to the soil or via foliar spraying significantly enhanced the translocation factor (TF) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of Cd in S. nigrum plants. The combined addition of soil and foliar spraying of yeast extract (SF) was more effective than the sole addition of S or F in increasing the TF and BAF of Cd by S. nigrum. The addition of SF increased both the TF and BAF by 50% above the control. The yeast extract significantly enhanced the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD). The combined addition of SF was more effective in enhancing the concentrations of proline and soluble carbohydrates in the plant leaves than the sole addition of each treatment. The maximum nutrient uptake and photosynthesis pigments, i. e., chlorophyll, were achieved from the addition of yeast extract to the soil in combination with foliar spraying. The yeast extract improved S. nigrum 's Cd-phytoextraction capacity by protecting photosynthesis pigments and increasing antioxidant defenses and plant nutrient uptake. S. nigrum plants have many characteristics that qualify them for use in cleaning Cd-contaminated soils. However, it is recommended that yeast extract be sprinkled on the leaves and added directly to the soil to improve phytoremediation efficiency. [Display omitted] • Black nightshade (S. nigrum) is able to extract Cd from polluted soils. • Yeast extract enhances the phytoremediation capacity of S. nigrum. • Yeast extract increases antioxidant defenses and nutrient availability and uptake. • Yeast extract improves Cd-phytoextraction by protecting photosynthesis pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum a member of the Solanaceae family, was chosen as one of the therapeutic plants. The plant is well-known for its effectiveness and precision in hyperaccumulation, also known as bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. Among the various heavy metals, cadmium (Cd) is listed under non-essential metal. Its mobile and sustained nature enhances its cumulation in ecosystem and leads to health ailments. Zinc is also regarded as a heavy metal in soil. Whereas zinc (Zn), considered as an essential metal, takes part in biological processes by playing a regulatory role. Phytoextraction is a technique, where plants take part in the removal of contaminants from soil. Edible plants of various families have demonstrated their role in phytoextraction. Similar to various carbonaceous materials, biochar having highest surface area compared to un-charred raw materials, is able to decrease contaminant's availability. Hence, the present study involves the use of S. nigrum with the addition of biochar to extract cadmium and zinc from polluted soil through hyperaccumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, strontium oxide nanoparticles (SrO NPs) were successfully synthesized using Solanum nigrum leaf extract. The extract acted as a stabilizing agent during the synthesis process. Characterization techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the existence of functional groups of the nanoparticles. Photon Correlation Spectroscopy analysis revealed an average particle size of 94.8 nm with a polydisperse distribution. SEM images showed the morphology of the nanoparticles, ranging from individual particles to agglomerates. XRD analysis indicated a cubic crystal structure for the SrO NPs. Importantly, the synthesized SrO NPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Mycobacterium TB, Candida albicans, and E. coli, highlighting their potential as antimicrobial agents. This eco-friendly approach utilizing Solanum nigrum extract opens up possibilities for the green synthesis of SrO NPs with promising biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

To investigate the antibacterial effect of Solanum nigrum L. on Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis and its effect on biofilm formation, the antibacterial activities of extracts from Solanum nigrum L., Solanum villosum Miller., Solanum diphyllum L. fruit and their stems or leaves were compared,and the extracting conditions of Solanum nigrum L. fruit was optimized by response surface methodology. The effect of extracts from Solanum nigrum L. fruit on the formation of bacterial biofilm was determined by crystal violet staining, and the factors affecting the formation of antibiofilm were evaluated by swimming, auto-aggregation, and hydrophobicity. The results showed that the extracts from Solanum nigrum L. fruit had the best inhibition rate. The optimum extraction conditions for inhibiting the Escherichia coli were extraction temperature 28 °C, ethanol content 44.5%, liquid-solid ratio 5.1:1 (mL·g-1); the optimum extraction conditions for inhibiting the Enterococcus faecalis were extraction temperature 29.5 °C, ethanol content 44.7%, liquid-solid ratio 5.1:1 (mL·g-1). Under these conditions, the extracts showed the best antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, the inhibition rate were 81.44%±1.78% and 90.63%±2.33%. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis was 50 mg·mL-1. The inhibitory rates of 30 mg·mL-1 Solanum nigrum L. fruit extract on biofilm formation of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis were 83.52% and 85.13%, respectively. And the inhibition of Escherichia coli biofilm formation was related to the decrease of hydrophobicity (P<0.05), and the inhibition of Enterococcus faecalis biofilm formation was related to the decrease of swimming and auto-aggregation (P<0.05). These results provided a theoretical basis for the bacteria inhibition and biofilm inhibition of Solanum nigrum L., and a reference for the development of natural plant antibiotic substitutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In southern African countries, production of indigenous leafy vegetables is commonly practiced at home garden and/or commercial level due to their significant contribution toward eradication of hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition. Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) is among African leafy vegetable (ALV) highly recognised for its pharmacological and nutritive benefits. Several research have shown that ALVs can be cultivated in the open field or greenhouses, however, little information is available on the changes of the agronomical parameters and mineral composition. The aim of the study was to compare the physiological parameters and mineral composition of nightshade grown in the open field vs. greenhouse cropping systems. The results of the study revealed high-leaf area and relative chlorophyll content in the open field conditions while plant height and the number of leaves were reportedly higher under the greenhouse system. Minerals elements such as magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, and aluminium were significantly higher in the open field cropping system, while greenhouse cultivation recorded higher sulphur and boron. Notably, no significant amount was observed in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium between open field and greenhouse system. Furthermore, a significant amount of total nitrogen was reported in the open field, however, no significant difference was observed in moisture and ash content for both cropping systems. In conclusion, black nightshade cultivated in open field provided higher leaf chlorophyll, leaf area, and trace elements compared to greenhouse cultivation while macro minerals concentration had no significant difference in both cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Solanum nigrum L. is a plant of the genus Solanum in the family Solanaceae and is commonly used to treat tumors. Solasonin (SS) is a steroidal alkaloid extracted from Solanum nigrum L. that has anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) activity. (2) Methods: Column chromatography, semi-preparative HPLC and cellular activity screening were used to isolate potential anti-CRC active compounds in Solanum nigrum L., and structure identification using 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR techniques. Expression levels of HDAC in CRC were mined in the UALCAN database. The in vitro effects of SS on SW620 cell line and its mechanism were examined via Western blot, EdU staining, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. CRC xenograft model and IHC staining were mainly used to evaluate the role of SS in vivo. (3) Results: The results showed that SS was the most potent anti-CRC component in Solanum nigrum L., which induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the SW620 cell line. HDAC was highly expressed in CRC. The treatment of SW620 cell line with SS resulted in a significant downregulation of HDAC, an increase in the level of P53 acetylation and a subsequent increase in the level of P21. The in vivo validation results showed that SS could effectively inhibit CRC growth, which was associated with the downregulation of HDAC. (4) Conclusions: SS treatment for CRC mainly works through the induction of apoptosis and cycle arrest, and its mechanism of action is mainly related to HDAC-induced P53 acetylation, and the HDAC/P53 signaling pathway may be a potential pathway for the treatment of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic herbicides have negatively impacted biological organisms and human health. Thus, nonsynthetic herbicides for weed control are needed in organic and conventional agriculture. Nonsynthetic products such as vinegar and detergents are increasingly becoming popular in crop disease treatment, as well as controlling insects and weeds. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the herbicidal efficacy of various nonsynthetic products using different application methods. Various nonsynthetic products were applied to grass and broadleaf weeds at 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% concentrations to test their herbicidal efficacy, and two plant extracts were used as adjuvants. In addition, the inhibitory effects of selected brown rice vinegar and effective microorganisms (EM) powder soap on grass and broadleaf weeds were compared to the inhibitory effects of other vinegars and EM powder soaps. Of the nine various natural products tested, brown rice vinegar and EM powder soap at 5% concentrations were the only applications to completely control grass and broadleaf weeds in Petri dish bioassays. In greenhouse conditions, the shoot fresh weight of Eclipta prostrata, Solanum nigrum, Persicaria hydropier, and Portulaca oleracea was completely inhibited when soil applications of EM powder soap at 10% concentrations were used. EM powder soap was more effective in controlling grass and broadleaf weeds than brown rice vinegar. In addition, brown rice vinegar and EM powder soap did not appear to last long in soil. Two-time application methods were more effective in controlling all weed species than one-time application methods. However, no synergism effects were observed when brown rice vinegar and EM powder soap were combined with other natural products. Brown rice vinegar and EM powder soap did not show adjuvant effects when combined with plant extracts, which can sometimes create better contact with or penetration of the weeds. Thus, weeds growing alongside transplanted vegetable crops can be effectively controlled with brown rice vinegar and EM powder soap by using soil applications in row, either individually or combined together and with either one or two applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) and sequence mining tools revolutionized virus detection and discovery in recent years, and implementing them with classical plant virology techniques results in a powerful approach to characterize viruses. An example of a virus discovered through HTS is Solanum nigrum ilarvirus 1 (SnIV1) (Bromoviridae), which was recently reported in various solanaceous plants from France, Slovenia, Greece, and South Africa. It was likewise detected in grapevines (Vitaceae) and several Fabaceae and Rosaceae plant species. Such a diverse set of source organisms is atypical for ilarviruses, thus warranting further investigation. In this study, modern and classical virological tools were combined to accelerate the characterization of SnIV1. Through HTS-based virome surveys, mining of sequence read archive datasets, and a literature search, SnIV1 was further identified from diverse plant and non-plant sources globally. SnIV1 isolates showed relatively low variability compared with other phylogenetically related ilarviruses. Phylogenetic analyses showed a distinct basal clade of isolates from Europe, whereas the rest formed clades of mixed geographic origin. Furthermore, systemic infection of SnIV1 in Solanum villosum and its mechanical and graft transmissibility to solanaceous species were demonstrated. Near-identical SnIV1 genomes from the inoculum (S. villosum) and inoculated Nicotiana benthamiana were sequenced, thus partially fulfilling Koch's postulates. SnIV1 was shown to be seed-transmitted and potentially pollen-borne, has spherical virions, and possibly induces histopathological changes in infected N. benthamiana leaf tissues. Overall, this study provides information to better understand the diversity, global presence, and pathobiology of SnIV1; however, its possible emergence as a destructive pathogen remains uncertain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic non-communicable disease; it is globally considered the fifth cause of death and it has attained worldwide epidemic proportions. In our study, we aimed to investigate the diabetic effects of Solanum nigrum extract using the control group (C), diabetes group (D), groups given the Solanum nigrum extract (SN) and diabetes group + Solanum nigrum extract (D+SN). Our results observed the biological effectiveness of Solanum nigrum extract on glucose levels, significant increase serum glucose level group (D) (663±21.8 mg/dL) in comparison with C (131±9.8 mg/dL) were recorded. However, there were no significant difference in glucose level between C group (131±9.8 mg/dl) and SN group (196.14±12.1 mg/dL). Moreover, glucose level of D+SN group (484.8±40.0 mg/dL) was significantly higher than C (131±9.8 mg/dl), D (663±21.8 mg/dl) and SN groups (196.14±12.1 mg/dL). Total antioxidant status (TAS) level in D group (1.85±0.15.7) was significant when compared C group (1.28±0.17). Significant differences were observed between D group and D+SN group (1.54±0.07). However, TAS levels showed no significant difference in both SN (1.27±0.10) and D+SN (1.54±0.07) groups in comparison to the control group. Total oxidant status (TOS) level in D group (6.30±1.41) was given significant differences in comparison with control C (3.87±0.34), SN (4.87±0.80) group and D+SN (4.14±0.34) groups. In contrary, there were no significant differences between all of C, SN, D+SN groups. As a result, we can say that the Solanum nigrum plant extract is effective on diabetes, but it cannot lower the glucose level to normal levels, it needs to be investigated in future studies and its effects at different doses by different extraction methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetable grafting plays a significant role in modem agricultural practices, effectively managing abiotic and biotic stresses. Additionally, it offers the advantage of enhancing the phenotypic traits of the scion. This technique has gained widespread acceptance in commercial cultivation, particularly in crops like tomato, watermelon, melon, eggplant, etc., but has not been reported in Solanum nigrum. The appeal lies in its swiftness compared to the traditional method of breeding vegetables with improved environmental stress tolerance. This study focused on identifying and studying the components present in the leaves and fruits of both grafted and ungrafted Solanum nigrum. The GC-MS analysis unveiled a multitude ofbioactive compounds, some of which are well-known antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties. These beneficial attributes make them potentially valuable for promoting health and well-being. In addition, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to identify functional groups in the methanolic extracts. The FTIR findings confirmed the existence of diverse functional groups, such as alkanes, alkynes, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and nitriles, within the selected grafted Solanum nigrum samples. The research outcomes suggest that the extracts could be valuable in managing fungal infections in crops, which may contribute to the successful grafting of Solanum nigrum onto wild rootstocks. The presence of bioactive compounds with antifungal properties in the extracts might enhance disease resistance, making a successful grafting process a viable solution for improved and extended production. This underscores the critical necessity for continued research, highlighting its potential benefits to various domains, including medicine and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early detection of non‐optimal weed control is now a priority to ensure herbicide efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for early detection of the effects of glyphosate and glufosinate on weeds. Specific features (bands and vegetation indices [VIs]) were extracted as indicators for glyphosate and glufosinate efficacy. Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) was used as the model weed and treated with glyphosate or glufosinate at the fourth‐leaf stage. Plants were imaged in the laboratory at 6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after treatment (HAT) with a 204‐wavelength (400–1000 nm) hyperspectral camera. The impact of the herbicide treatments on the spectral reflectance values was analyzed using the two‐sided Mann–Whitney U test, followed by classification with a machine learning (ML) model applied on the full spectrum and on 12 VIs. In addition, the contribution of the different wavelengths (features) to classification accuracy was assessed using a feature selection process. For glufosinate, 95% classification accuracy was observed as early as 6 HAT, with four features from the green region required. For glyphosate, four features from the red, red‐edge, and green regions were used to achieve 88% classification accuracy at 24 HAT. The accuracy of VIs‐based classification was generally lower than that of the full spectrum classification accuracy. Above 85% classification accuracy was achieved only at later imaging campaigns, starting at 48 HAT. This study thus demonstrates that non‐optimal application of glyphosate and glufosinate can indeed be detected using spectral imaging. Core Ideas: Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a potential tool for early detection of sub‐optimal herbicide doses on black nightshade.Glufosinate and glyphosate‐treated plants can be classified 24 h after treatment using HSI.Future upscaling by air‐based multispectral sensors for use in precision agriculture is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a rare food contamination of organically grown frozen green beans with Solanum nigrum, also called black night shade, which were widely available in supermarkets in the Netherlands. To our knowledge, only three adults and one child were referred to the emergency department for observation after eating the contaminated green beans. Only minor symptoms were seen during observation. The remainder of the frozen green beans were obtained from the patients and sent for analysis within one day. Within two and a half days after the first case, a public safety warning and recall were launched. Due to an increase in popularity of organic food, more incidents involving toxic weed contaminants like the one we describe in this report could happen when quality control in organic agriculture is insufficient. In this event, the critical control point obtained from the hazard analysis was insufficiently managed by the producer. This report demonstrates the efficient collaboration between the Dutch Poisons Information Centre, treating physicians at the hospital and the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority in case of a possible public safety issue. Because of quick acting and collaboration between the involved parties, the product was quickly withdrawn from the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Morelloid clade, also known as the black nightshades or "Maurella" (Morella), is one of the 10 major clades within the mega-diverse genus Solanum L. The clade is most diverse in the central to southern Andes, but species occur around the tropics and subtropics, some extending well into the temperate zone. Plants of the group vary from herbs to short-lived perennials to perennial shrubs that are distinctly woody at the base, they have small mostly white or purplish white flowers and small juicy berries. Due to the complex morphological variation and weedy nature of these plants, coupled with the large number of published synonyms (especially for European taxa), our understanding of species limits and diversity in the Morelloid clade has lagged behind that of other clades in Solanum. Here we provide the last in a three-part series of monographic treatments of the morelloid solanums (see PhytoKeys Vols. 106, 125), treating the 62 species occurring in South America. This region is by far the most diverse in the clade, both in terms of species number and morphological diversity. We provide complete synonymy, nomenclatural details, including lecto- and neotypifications where needed, common names and uses, morphological descriptions, illustrations to aid identification both in herbaria and in the field, and distribution maps for all native, non-cultivated species. We include a key to all species, a synoptic character list for the species treated here and links to synoptic online keys for all species of the Morelloid clade. Preliminary conservation assessments following IUCN guidelines are also provided for all native species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum, which belongs to the Solanaceae family, is an essential plant for food and medicine. It has many important secondary compounds, including glycoproteins, glycoalkaloids, polyphenolics, and anthocyanin‐rich purple berries, as well as many ideal characteristics such as self‐fertilization, a short life cycle and a small genome size that make it a potential model plant for the study of secondary metabolism and fruit development. In this study, we report a highly efficient and convenient tissue culture, transformation and genome editing method for S. nigrum using leaf segments after 8 weeks of tissue culture, with a required period from transformation initiation to harvest of about 3.5 months. Our results also show multi‐shoot regeneration per leaf segment and a 100% shoot regeneration efficiency in a shoot regeneration medium. Moreover, over 82% of kanamycin‐resistant plants exhibited strong green fluorescence marker protein expression, with genetic integration confirmed by PCR results and green fluorescence protein expression in their T1 progeny. Furthermore, we successfully applied this transformation method to achieve an average of 83% genome editing efficiency of SnMYB1, a gene involved in regulating the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway of S. nigrum in response to missing nutrients. Taken together, the combination of highly efficient tissue culture, transformation and genome editing systems can provide a powerful platform for supporting fundamental research on the molecular mechanisms of secondary metabolism, fruit development, and production of important compounds by biotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple hammerhead viroid (AHVd) was detected in the apple cultivar 'Šampion' and in mixed infection with Solanum nigrum ilarvirus 1 (SnIV-1) in the cultivars 'Selena' and 'Jonagored Supra', using a high-throughput sequencing method. Experiments were conducted to eliminate both pathogens in apples using meristem tip cultures in combination with the antivirotics ribavirin, rimantadine, and zidovudine. Elimination of both pathogens was verified by repeated RT-PCR and qRT-PCR assays after 7–11 months. Elimination of SnIV-1 from all cultivars was successful with each of the three antivirotics at concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 mg L−1. Elimination of AHVd was also achieved, although less effectively and only with ribavirin in the concentration range of 20–160 mg L−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused to enhance the cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction efficiency in Solanum nigrum by applying four biodegradable chelants (10 mM)-ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA), ethylenediamine disuccinate (EDDS), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), and citric acid (CA), when grown in Cd-spiked soil (12 and 48 mg kg−1). Plant height, dry biomass, photosynthetic traits, and metal accumulation varied significantly with Cd and chelant treatments. Cadmium-toxicity resulted in reduction of plant growth and photosynthetic physiology, whereas chelant supplementation alleviated the toxic effect of Cd and increased its accumulation. Tolerance index value increased with addition of chelants in the order: EGTA (1.57–1.63) >EDDS (1.39–1.58) >NTA (1.14–1.50) >CA (1–1.22) compared with Cd (0.46–1.08). Transfer coefficient of root increased with supplementation of EGTA (3.40–3.85), EDDS (3.10–3.40), NTA (2.60–2.90), and CA (1.85–2.29), over Cd-alone (1.61–1.63). Similarly, translocation factor was also increased upon addition of EGTA (0.52–0.73), EDDS (0.35–0.81), NTA (0.38–0.75), and CA (0.53–0.54), compared with Cd-alone (0.36–0.59). Maximum Cd removal (67.67% at Cd12 and 36.05% at Cd48) was observed with supplementation of EGTA. The study concludes that the supplementation of EGTA and EDDS with S. nigrum can be employed as an efficient and environmentally safe technique for reclamation of Cd-contaminated soils. Apart from the selection of a good hyperaccumulator, the choice of chelant (biodegradable/non-biodegradable) is an important aspect for the successful phytoextraction of metals from contaminated soil. We reported for the first time the potential of ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA; a biodegradable chelant) in enhancing Cd phytoextraction by Solanum nigrum. Comparative appraisal of metal extraction efficiency of biodegradable chelants at low (12 mg kg−1) and high (48 mg kg−1) Cd dose depicted that EGTA performed better than EDDS, NTA, and CA (other biodegradable chelants). EGTA supplementation did not induce toxicity in plants; rather it improved metal accumulation, morphology, and photosynthetic physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastic (MP) pollution is lately receiving increasing attention owing to its harmful impact on terrestrial ecosystems. In this microcosm study, we assessed the uptake and transfer of MPs in Solanum nigrum seedlings exposed to 50 mg L-1 of 0.2-mm polystyrene (PS) beads for 30 d. Confocal laser scanning micrographs helped detect highly intense red fluorescence signals from PS-MP beads in S. nigrum root compared with the controls. Confocal images revealed that the PS beads were primarily distributed in the epidermis and xylem of roots and vascular systems of stems and leaves. Scanning electron microscopy showed that PS beads were scattered on the cell walls of the root xylem and leaf vascular system. Few PS beads were transferred from roots to stems and leaves via the vascular system following the transpiration stream. In conclusion, our findings showed that PS beads accumulated in S. nigrum roots and were transferred from the roots to the aerial parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous development of China's nuclear industry has caused an increasingly serious problem of heavy metal pollution in the ecological environment. A survey of the current situation shows that the quality of China's groundwater bodies and their surrounding ecological environment has been severely affected. China has started to devote more attention to the issue of nuclear emissions and pollution. In view of this, this study takes an area contaminated by nuclear power plant emissions as the object of research and uses plant–microbe synergy to remediate the cadmium-contaminated environment. Cadmium-tolerant strains were isolated from the soil and identified as Serratia marcescens. The morphological characteristics of the cadmium-tolerant strains were observed with electron microscopy in the presence or absence of cadmium ions. The removal of Cd2+ from wastewater was analyzed in four experimental groups: Cd2+ removal from Cd2+-contaminated wastewater by combining a Cd-tolerant strain with Cd-flower, Cd-tolerant strain with Cd-flower, Cd-flower with alkali treatment, and Cd-tolerant strain with alkali treatment. This study innovatively treated Cd ion concentrations of 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 200 mg/L, and 300 mg/L. The results showed that the cadmium-tolerant strains were more densely concentrated in the treated Phyllostachys than in the untreated condition. This indicates that the Cd-tolerant strains were effectively enhanced by the alkali treatment of Phyllostachys spp. and that the adsorption of Cd ions to the Cd-tolerant strains was improved. In the presence of Cd2+ flowers only, the best removal of Cd2+ was achieved at a concentration of 50 mg/L, with a removal rate of 74.10%; the addition of Cd-tolerant strains resulted in a removal rate of 91.21%. When the alkali treatment was applied to the flat bamboo flowers, the removal rate was 84.36% when the concentration of Cd2+ was 100 mg/L. Then, when the cadmium-tolerant strain was added to the treated flat bamboo flower group, the maximum removal rate was 89.74% when the concentration of Cd2+ was 100 mg/L. The cadmium ion content of Cd2+ increased positively with increasing experimental time. In addition, the quasi-secondary correlation coefficients for cadmium ions in Lobelia were all greater than 0.9905, indicating that the adsorption kinetics were significantly correlated with the quasi-secondary kinetics. The analysis of heavy metal enrichment in Lobelia was divided into four groups, with Lobelia showing the best tolerance and cadmium adsorption capacity at a cadmium concentration of 20 mg/L. The results of super-enrichment coefficients showed that the enrichment coefficients of Lobelia ranged from 1.03 to 1.97, with values greater than 1. All these results indicate that the combination of cadmium-tolerant strains and plants can effectively remediate nuclear-contaminated soil and wastewater, thus improving soil availability and water regeneration, and improving the human living environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium is classified as a hazardous substance of global significance by the United Nations Environment Programme, and soil cadmium pollution seriously threatens plant growth and endangers human health. Exogenous sulfur affects the uptake and accumulation of cadmium by plants, but the effect of different forms and content of sulfur on the uptake and accumulation of cadmium by different plants varies greatly. Therefore, the effects of different forms and content of sulfur on the uptake and accumulation of cadmium by crops (Oryza sativa, Triticum aestivum, Brassica chinensis, Amaranshus mangostanus, Nicotiana tabacum) and Cd-hyperaccumulation plants (Sedum plumbizincicola, Solanum nigrum) were reviewed. Subsequently, the possible mechanisms of action were summarized in terms of the effectiveness of soil Cd (sulfur affects soil pH and cadmium adsorption), the uptake of Cd by plant roots (sulfur affects the transcription levels of metal transporters, and the formation of root hair and iron plaque) and the distribution and accumulation of Cd in plants (sulfur affects root cell wall adsorption and vacuolar compartment) . Finally, strategies for sulfur application to reduce crops and increase hyperaccumulation plants Cd uptake and accumulation were explored. The result provided a theoretical basis for improving crop safety and remediating soil cadmium contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation is one of the best methods for cleaning up natural resources like water because plants are eco-friendly and safe for the ecosystem. Hyperaccumulators, e.g., Solanum nigrum L. and Atriplex lentiformis (Torr.) S. Watson, have been used to remove toxic metals from soil and water through phytoremediation techniques, but it is unknown if they can remove hazardous chemicals such as dinitrophenol (DNP), from wastewater. A hydroponic experiment was conducted to study the efficiency of S. nigrum and A. lentiformis in removing DNP from wastewater. Jasmonic acid (JAC) was applied to the tested plants in two doses, 0.25 and 0.50 mmol, in an effort to better understand how it affects phytoremediation effectiveness. The growth of S. nigrum and A. lentiformis improved significantly (p < 0.05) by the foliar application of JAC. The applications of JAC1 and JAC2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased nutrient uptake and chlorophyll concentrations in S. nigrum and A. lentiformis plants. The foliar spraying of S. nigrum and A. lentiformis with JAC significantly (p < 0.05) increased the antioxidant enzymes activity, i.e., SOD and POD. The levels of osmoregulatory substances like proline and carbohydrates significantly (p < 0.05) increased after JAC was sprayed on S. nigrum and A. lentiformis plants. In the case of S. nigrum, the efficiency of DNP removal varied between 53 and 69%, with an average of 63%, while in the case of A. lentiformis, it varied between 47 and 62%, with an average of 56%. The removal efficiency of DNP reached 67 and 69% when S. nigrum was sprayed with JAC1 and JAC2. When JAC1 and JAC2 were sprayed on A. lentiformis, DNP removal efficiency rose from 47 to 60 and from 47 to 62%, respectively. S. nigrum and A. lentiformis plants can be grown normally and survive in dinitrophenol-contaminated water without showing any toxic symptoms. S. nigrum and A. lentiformis have a powerful antioxidant system and the ability to produce vital compounds that alleviate the stress caused by DNP toxicity. The findings are crucial for cleaning up polluted water and protecting the ecosystem's health from dangerous pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild indigenous vegetables have recently been receiving attention due to their accessibility and potential to fight malnutrition. The current study investigated the nutritional profile of 10 selected wild indigenous vegetables, namely Asclepias multicaulis, Lepidium africanum, Erucastrum austroafricanum, Solanum nigrum, Sonchus dregeanus, Sonchus integrifolius, Sonchus nanus, Rorippa fluviatilis, Tribulus terrestris, and Urtica lobulata, consumed by the Basotho people of southern Africa. This was done by first compiling a comprehensive literature review to identify the knowledge gaps and further analysing the selected vegetables for mineral contents and proximate compositions using standard analytical procedures of AOAC. The literature survey revealed that 90 wild plants are used as vegetables by the Basotho people, and there are knowledge gaps on the nutritional value of many species. Mineral analyses of the wild vegetables showed that Asclepias multicaulis and Sonchus dregeanus are rich in minerals such as Al, Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and S and can compete favourably with commercialised vegetables such as lettuce and spinach in terms of mineral components. Also, all the wild vegetables studied have more than 12% recommended caloric protein value except Tribulus terrestris (10.07%) and Lepidium africanum (11.32%). The crude fat content in Asclepias multicaulis, Lepidium africanum, Rorippa fluviatilis, Erucastrum austroafricanum, and Urtica lobulata fall within the range required for healthy living. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, and lead in all the vegetables studied are below the detection level, thus making them non-toxic and safe for consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An isolate of chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV; genus Potyvirus) of Solanum nigrum L. from southwest China (ChiVMV-YunN/Yuxi) was identified and sequenced (GenBank: OP404087). Comparison with other ChiVMV isolates and recombination analyses suggested a recombinant origin. The most significant recombination event among all 21 complete ChiVMV isolates was an ending breakpoint at 1408–1488 for ChiVMV-YunN/Yuxi with ChiVMV-TaiW and ChiVMV-YunN/Ca operating as the respective major and minor parents. Interestingly, the 5′ UTR of ChiVMV-YunN/Yuxi is 15 nucleotides ('AAAAATAAAACAACC') longer than other reported isolates. A full-length clone of ChiVMV-YunN/Yuxi was constructed and was shown to be infectious in Nicotiana benthamiana. The additional 15 nt of 5′ UTR in ChiVMV-YunN/Yuxi was stable when transmitted through three generations. Experiments with modified clones showed that the additional 15 nt are essential for infection by this isolate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contemporary study aims at the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) through green synthesis by utilizing fruit extract of Solanum nigrum and to evaluate its anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer activity. Then the synthesized SeNPs had been characterized with UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta potential and scanning electron microscopy. The results had shown the successful synthesis of SeNPs which was found to be spherical in shape and has a particle diameter of 87 nm. Further, the FTIR spectrum confirms the presence of various functional groups of the plant extract, which could probably influence the reduction and stabilization of SeNPs. Also the synthesized SeNPs had exhibited a significant dose dependent reduction of free radicals as depicted by DPPH assay. Further the SeNPs had inhibited the proliferation of selected gram-positive and gram- negative bacteria in a dose dependent way indicating their significant anti-bacterial property. Then, the anti-cancer efficacy of the SeNPs against the triple negative breast cancer was analysed by MTT and was found to exhibit an IC50 of 19 µg/ml. These results collectively displays the bioactive potential including anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-cancer efficacy posed by the SeNPs which could possibly be explored further for their efficient therapeutics in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum fruit is like a treasure house for anticancer drugs because of its steroidal alkaloids. However, the clinical treatment of cancer mainly uses immature fruits, which can cause a toxic reaction if eaten directly, while mature fruits are eaten as fruit. In order to clarify the reasons for the differences in pharmacodynamics and toxicity between them, we studied the composition and metabolism of steroidal alkaloids in fruits of different maturities based on liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking. As a result, 114 steroidal glycoalkaloids were identified. During fruit ripening, the aglycones of steroidal alkaloids mainly undergo hydroxylation and carboxylation, and the sugar side chains mainly undergo acylation and glycosylation reactions. Furthermore, 219 steroidal alkaloids were identified in a metabolism experiment in rats. Metabolic processes include deglycosylation, redox, sulfuric acid binding, acetyl binding, and glucuronic acid‐binding. Steroidal alkaloids in mature fruits have high molecular weight and polarity, which are difficult to absorb, and most of them are excreted through feces and urine, which may be the reason for their poor efficacy. This study lays a foundation for research on the biosynthesis of steroidal alkaloids and provides potential candidates for the discovery of new steroidal alkaloid anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on assessing the community structure, species diversity, and creating a weed distribution map in the turfgrass of Tehran city parks. It study aims to identify areas affected by different weed species, highlight invasive weed-infested areas, and enhance weed management through mapping.

The invasive South American Leaf miner, Phthorimaea (=Tuta) absoluta Meyrick (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is now getting a status of key pest in India. Biology studies carried out on tomato revealed that the P. absoluta had four larval instars. The total life cycle of P. absoluta lasted for 20.62 ± 0.66 days with an egg, larval and pupal periods of 2.54 ± 0.15, 9.54 ± 0.31 days and 8.54 ± 0.20 days, respectively. The longevity of female (40.00 ± 0.49 days) was found longer than the males which lasted for 36.45 ± 0.21 days. The biology studies carried out at different temperature conditions revealed the lowest egg (3.00 ± 0.24), larval (10.00 ± 0.27), pupal (9.00 ± 0.27) period, high fecundity (211.00 ± 2.54/female), highest female (40.00 ± 0.49) and male (36.45 ± 0.21) longevity at 30oC. Studies on the spatial distribution of eggs by P. absoluta revealed that the P. absoluta adults mostly preferred to lay the eggs on upper leaf surface (6.07 eggs) followed by lower surface of leaves (5.79 eggs). Ovipositional preference studies on different solanaceous crops viz., tomato, brinjal, potato, chilli and European black nightshade revealed that the adults of P. absoluta highly preferred tomato (233.70 and 326.00 eggs plant-1) followed by potato (95.90 and 143.20 eggs plant-1) both under free and no choice conditions, respectively. Biology of P. absoluta on other solanaceous crops revealed that the total life cycle was the shortest on tomato (22.00 ± 0.61) followed by European black nightshade (27.75 ± 0.84 days). However, no eggs hatched on chilli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pelargonic acid is the most successful natural herbicide and can contribute to reducing synthetic herbicides, but information on its efficacy is contrasting. Given its high cost, a reduction of the rate could facilitate the spread of the use of this herbicide. Two greenhouse and three field experiments were conducted to evaluate the herbicidal efficacy of different doses of pelargonic acid on several weeds (Abutilon theophrasti, Alopecurus myosuroides, Conyza sumatrensis, Lolium rigidum, Persicaria maculosa, Setaria pumila, Solanum nigrum). Results show that the efficacy of pelargonic acid is partial both in the greenhouse and field since the sensitivity of weed species is very variable, yet significant weed biomass reduction was observed in field application. Grass weeds, in particular A. myosuroides and L. rigidum, were less sensitive to pelargonic acid, with reduced and transient symptoms even at the highest doses. A large difference in sensitivity was also observed between dicots weeds, with P. oleracea, P. maculosa and A. theophrasti being less sensitive than C. sumatrensis and S. nigrum. The efficacy of pelargonic acid in field conditions depends on the botanical composition of weed flora and environmental conditions. Hot and dry conditions can promote leaf traits that decrease weed sensitivity by reducing herbicide penetration inside leaves. Despite its high cost, pelargonic acid can be a useful tool in an integrated multi-tactic strategy for sustainable weed management, while its use as a stand-alone tactic is less recommendable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the effect of Solanum nigrum aerial parts (SNAP) on macrophage activation and macrophage autophagy in RAW264.7 cells. SNAP increased the production of immunostimulatory factors and phagocytosis in RAW264.7 cells. TLR4 inhibition blocked SNAP-mediated production of immunostimulatory factors. In addition, the JNK inhibition reduced the SNAP-mediated production of immunostimulatory factors, and the SNAP-mediated JNK activation was blocked by the TLR4 inhibition. SNAP activated macrophage autophagy. TLR4 inhibition blocked SNAP-mediated macrophage autophagy and inhibition of p38 and JNK attenuated SNAP-mediated macrophage autophagy. These findings indicate that SNAP may induce TLR4/JNK-mediated macrophage activation and TLR4/p38 and JNK-mediated macrophage autophagy.

AbstractLeaf samples from the symptomatic Solanum nigrum plants showing curling on leaf margins, leaf chlorosis, leaf crumpling and stunting in growth were collected during spring 2018. Subsequently, the standard procedures of total genomic DNA isolation, enrichment via rolling circle amplification, polymerase chain reaction, cloning and complete genome sequencing were performed. Pairwise nucleotide (nt) sequence comparison and phylogenetic studies of the inferred genome sequences confirmed the identity of a bipartite begomovirus Tomato leaf curl Palampur virus (ToLCPalV) in the symptomatic plant samples sharing 97.6 and 95.5% nt identity with ToLCPalV isolates identified from Pakistan and India. In the phylogenetic analysis, ToLCPalV grouped with ToLCPalV isolates previously described from Pakistan and India. Additional attempts to identify any putative DNA-satellites in S. nigrum plant samples revealed an associated betasatellite component, cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite (CLCuMuB). This is the first identification of cotton leaf curl disease-associated betasatellite with ToLCPalV in this region. The nt diversity analysis showed that ToLCPalV populations have a high mutation rate and evolve independently under strong purifying selection, but not via recombination.

In the current study, we have described the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) employing the capping ingredient Solanum Nigrum. With the use of X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption, and antibacterial investigations, the functionalization of ZnO particles through Solanum Nigrum leaves extract-induced bio-reduction of ZnO was examined. According to XRD analysis, the produced NPs have a wurtzite hexagonal structure and have an average grain size of 27.6 nm. The functional groups are further shown by FT-IR spectra. The band gap is estimated to be 3.38 eV based on UV-Vis DRS studies. It has been proven that the particle size variations and surface area-to-volume ratios of ZnO-NPs are responsible for significant higher antibacterial activities. According to the antibacterial study, the ZnO-NPs inhibit the growth of both normal as well as pathogenic bacterium and hence might be used for coating surgical equipments for performing aseptic operators in the medical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanum nigrum is an orphan crop known for its medicinal and nutritional value and phenotypic plasticity. Four genotypes, previously identified as accumulating high levels of Ca (G5 and G20) and Fe (G6 and G15), were clonally propagated. Following acclimatization, the clonal progenies were subjected to two watering regimes (50 and 100% water holding capacities) in a greenhouse and clones of each genotype were harvested at 15, 30 and 45 days of ex-vitro growth. Full water supply and aging led to the greatest biomass production by the clonal genotypes while both watering regimes resulted in overall increases in leaf water contents. Ca and Fe contents were not affected by age or changing water availability except for the G6 clones which accumulated less Fe under water stress. Genotypic variations occurred for all tested parameters except Fe content (full water supply), and Ca content, root fresh and dry weights (water stress). With age, plasticities for biomass increased, those for leaf water content decreased and remained unaffected for Ca and Fe contents. Genotypic effects were observed for shoot and root dry weight plasticities (G6 > G15). The clones of G5, G6 and G20 could be grown at 50% WHC and harvested after 15 days of ex-vitro growth as full plants for consumption but since shoot biomass was found to be a critical factor influencing Ca and Fe content, a greater number of clones will need to be propagated to gain the maximum nutritional benefit at day 15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent field data suggest that migratory gulls disperse many rice field weeds by gut passage (endozoochory), most of which are dry fruited and widely assumed to have no long-distance dispersal mechanisms, except via human activity. We investigated this mechanism with a feeding experiment, in which seeds of five common rice field weeds (in order of increasing seed size: Juncus bufonius, Cyperus difformis, Polypogon monspeliensis, Amaranthus retroflexus, and the fleshy-fruited Solanum nigrum) were fed to seven individuals of lesser black-backed gulls Larus fuscus held in captivity. We quantified seed survival after collecting faeces at intervals for 33 h after ingestion, then extracting intact seeds and running germination tests, which were also conducted for control seeds. All five species showed high seed survival after gut passage, of >70%. Gut retention times averaged 2–4 h, but maxima exceeded 23 h for all species. Germinability after gut passage was 16–54%, and gut passage accelerated germination in J. bufonius and S. nigrum, but slowed it down in the other species. All species had lower germinability after gut passage compared to control seeds (likely due to stratification prior to the experiment), but the loss of germinability was higher in smaller seeds. There was no evidence that the different dispersal syndromes assigned to the five species (endozoochory, epizoochory or barochory) had any influence on our results. In contrast, mean gut retention time was strongly and positively related to seed size, likely because small seeds pass more quickly from the gizzard into the intestines. Non-classical endozoochory of dry-fruited seeds by waterbirds is a major but overlooked mechanism for potential long-distance dispersal, and more research into this process is likely essential for effective weed management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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It is difficult for laser scanning confocal microscopy to obtain high- or ultra-highresolution laser confocal images directly, which affects the deep mining and use of the embedded information in laser confocal images and forms a technical bottleneck in the in-depth exploration of the microscopic physiological and biochemical processes of plants. The super-resolution reconstruction model (SRGAN), which is based on a generative adversarial network and superresolution reconstruction model (SRResNet), which is based on a residual network, was used to obtain single and secondary super-resolution reconstruction images of laser confocal images of the root cells of the hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum. Using the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity (SSIM) and mean opinion score (MOS), the models were evaluated by the image effects after reconstruction and were applied to the recognition of endocytic vesicles in Solanum nigrum root cells. The results showed that the single reconstruction and the secondary reconstruction of SRGAN and SRResNet improved the resolution of laser confocal images. PSNR, SSIM, and MOS were clearly improved, with a maximum PSNR of 47.690. The maximum increment of PSNR and SSIM of the secondary reconstruction images reached 21.7% and 2.8%, respectively, and the objective evaluation of the image quality was good. However, overall MOS was less than that of the single reconstruction, the perceptual quality was weakened, and the time cost was more than 130 times greater. The reconstruction effect of SRResNet was better than that of SRGAN. When SRGAN and SRResNet were used for the recognition of endocytic vesicles in Solanum nigrum root cells, the clarity of the reconstructed images was obviously improved, the boundary of the endocytic vesicles was clearer, and the number of identified endocytic vesicles increased from 6 to 9 and 10, respectively, and the mean fluorescence intensity was enhanced by 14.4% and 7.8%, respectively. Relevant research and achievements are of great significance for promoting the application of deep learning methods and image super-resolution reconstruction technology in laser confocal image studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]