Overview
Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov., commonly known as the sticky nightshade, is a shrubby plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. It is an herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Africa and is widely distributed across the continent, with countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Somalia having the maximum distribution of this plant species.
Description
The sticky nightshade plant grows up to 0.5-2 m in height and spreads up to a width of 1-1.5 m. It has green, ovate leaves with toothed margins and hairy undersides. The flowers are white to pale-blue in color, with a prominent yellow or green center, and are borne in loose clusters. The fruit of the plant is a bright orange berry, which is joined at the base by a persistent calyx. The entire plant contains a sticky sap that is rich in alkaloids and glycoalkaloids, which are highly toxic and can cause severe allergic reactions upon contact with skin.
Common Names
The sticky nightshade plant is known by several common names, including the African nightshade, poison berry, black nightshade, and gnashimakwe, depending on the region where it is found.
Uses
Despite the toxicity of its leaves and fruit, the sticky nightshade plant has several medicinal uses. In traditional African medicine, the plant is used to treat stomach ulcers, respiratory diseases, and various skin infections. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and is used to alleviate pain and inflammation. The plant is also used as a natural insecticide to control pests in crops such as tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. However, caution must be exercised when using the plant as an insecticide, as the toxic sap can harm beneficial insects as well.
In conclusion, the sticky nightshade plant is a shrubby perennial that is widely distributed across Africa. It is a highly toxic plant, but it also has several medicinal and agricultural uses. Despite its toxicity, it remains an important plant in traditional African medicine and is used as a natural pesticide in agriculture.
Light Requirements
Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum requires full sunlight to grow and develop properly. It does not grow well in shady areas or under the shade of other plants.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives well in warm temperatures, ideally between 18°C and 28°C. These temperatures are suitable for growth and development and may assist the plant in producing a good yield if it is cultivated for food or medicinal purposes.
Soil Requirements
The plant can grow well in various soil types, but it prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and nutrients, which can be enhanced by adding compost or manure to the soil. Avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot and loss of crops.
Cultivation methods
Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. is a hardy and adaptable plant that can be grown from seeds or cuttings. The best time to plant seeds or take cuttings is during the spring or summer. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. The plant prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade. It is recommended to plant the seeds or cuttings about 30 cm apart to allow room for growth.
Watering needs
Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. The plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. During hot and dry spells, the plant may require more frequent watering. It is important not to overwater the plant as it may cause root rot.
Fertilization
Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. requires regular fertilization to keep it healthy and productive. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, a slow-release fertilizer can be applied at the beginning of the growing season and supplemented with liquid fertilizers throughout the season.
Pruning
Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. can be pruned as needed to control its growth and shape. Pruning should be done during the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as they are noticed. It is important not to remove more than one-third of the plant during any pruning session as it may cause stress to the plant.
Propagation of Solanum Plebeium A.Rich. var. Grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov.
Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. can be propagated by various means. Some of the methods that can be used for propagation are:
Propagation through seeds
Seeds are an easy and inexpensive way to propagate Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. The seeds must be collected from ripe, healthy fruits. The fruit must be left on the plant until it turns completely yellow. Once the fruit is collected, the seeds can be extracted and cleaned. The cleaned seeds can be sown in a seedbed or container. The soil must be moist but well-drained. The seeds must be covered with a thin layer of soil and kept in a shaded area. Germination can take up to 21 days, and the seedlings must be transplanted to individual pots once they are big enough.
Propagation through cuttings
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. The cuttings must be taken from healthy, mature plants. The cuttings must be 10-15 cm long and must have at least two leaves. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting must be removed, and the remaining leaves must be cut in half. The lower end of the cutting must be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained soil mixture. The soil must be kept moist, and the cutting must be kept in a shaded area. The cutting can take up to four weeks to root, and it must be transplanted to an individual pot once it has rooted.
Propagation through layering
Layering is another method that can be used to propagate Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. This method involves bending a low growing branch towards the ground and covering a portion of that branch with soil. The covered portion must be wounded and treated with rooting hormone. Once roots have formed, the branch can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted to an individual pot.
These are some of the methods that can be used to propagate Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. With proper care, the new plants will grow and thrive, forming a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.
Disease Management
Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. is susceptible to several fungal and bacterial diseases that can reduce its productivity and quality. The most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Early Blight: Caused by the fungus Alternaria solani, this disease causes brown to black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It can reduce plant vigor and yield. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, maintain good air circulation, and apply preventive fungicides.
- Bacterial Wilt: Caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum, this disease causes wilting and death of the plant. It can be spread through contaminated soil, water, and equipment. To manage this disease, practice crop rotation, use pathogen-free seeds and seedlings, avoid over-irrigation, and apply preventive bactericides.
- Anthracnose: Caused by the fungus Colletotrichum coccodes, this disease causes sunken spots with pinkish spores on the fruits of the plant. It can reduce fruit quality and marketability. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected fruits, avoid overcrowding and high humidity, and apply preventive fungicides.
Pest Management
Solanum plebeium A.Rich. var. grossedentatum (A.Rich.) Chiov. is also prone to attack by several insect pests that can cause direct damage to the plant and transmit diseases. The most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Colorado Potato Beetle: This beetle can cause defoliation and reduce plant vigor and yield. To manage this pest, handpick and destroy adults and larvae, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic insecticides, and rotate crops.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves and excrete a sticky substance that can attract fungal growth. They can also transmit viruses. To manage this pest, use yellow sticky traps, introduce natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and ladybugs, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: These insects also suck sap from the leaves and can transmit viruses. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic insecticides, introduce natural enemies such as ladybugs and lacewings, and avoid over-fertilization and excess nitrogen.
