Scientists studied Solanum americanum, a blight-resistant relative of potato and tomato, to identify three genes that recognize P. infestans (the cause of late blight) effectors. This research can help engineer blight-resistant crops.
Researchers assessed the pollen micro-morphology of 13 species from 10 genera of the Solanaceae family in different regions of Pakistan. They used light and scanning electron microscopy to examine the qualitative and quantitative features of pollen, including size, shape, polarity, and exine sculpturing. The majority of pollen types were tricolporate and shed as a monad. The researchers developed a taxonomic key and performed Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis to separate the plant species into clusters based on their morphological features. The study emphasizes the importance of palyno-morphological features in identifying Solanaceous taxa and shows that both LM and SEM are crucial in correct identification. Overall, the findings provide a useful tool for accurate and rapid identification of Solanaceous plants in Pakistan.
Researchers reviewed various herbs for their antiepileptic properties and found that medicinal plants have been used to treat epilepsy for centuries. They conducted an extensive search of peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, and scientific databases, identifying herbs such as Cuminum cyminum, Butea monosperma, and Solanum americanum as potential agents for treating epilepsy. The study suggests that further experimental studies are needed to identify novel active compounds in these plants and clarify their mechanisms of action. This research provides a solid base for future investigation of the clinical efficacy of traditional antiepileptic agents and the potential for developing new antiepileptic drugs.