Growth and Development of Silverleaf Nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium)

Abstract

Controlled – environment studies were conducted to determine the influence of temperature, light, seed weight, depth of planting, substrate pH, and salinity on the germination and emergence of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifoliumCav.). The effects of planting date, top removal, and root-cutting length on establishment were studied in the field. Fluctuating temperatures of 20 to 30C produced 57% germination. Maximum germination, 59%, occurred between pH 6 and 7. NaCl concentrations greater than 2500 ppmw caused germination to decrease 85% or more compared to the control. Light was not important for germination. Mean seedling emergence was 46% from depths of 1.0 to 2.5 cm. Silverleaf nightshade seedling emergence from a 2-cm depth was 31% greater in a sandy soil than a loam. Delayed seeding caused a decline in dry-weight accumulation of above-ground parts. Fifteen percent of seedlings clipped 15 days after emergence were capable of regrowth, and after 30 days or more, 90% of the clipped plants regrew.