Morphological Characterization of African Nightshade (Solanum Nigrum L) Accessions in Western Kenya

Abstract

African nightshade, Solanum nigrum L .is one of the most important leafy vegetable rich in nutritional and medicinal value, can be used to feed people with human immune deficiency virus, HIV/AIDS in Kenya. This study was conducted to morphologically characterize thirty African nightshade accessions in order to establish the level of genetic variation amongst them. The limited information available on this species hinders their sustainable conservation and development. Existing knowledge on genetic potential is limited and also the information regarding the genomic group of Solanum nigrum complex species is scanty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics in different African nightshade accessions in the field. A total of 30 samples from three counties Bungoma, Kakamega and Trans Nzoia were evaluated. The African nightshade accessions were planted at Kibabii University farm and scored for several agro morphological characters based on National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resource NBPGR descriptors on the following qualitative traits; Leaf surface as Glaborous or pubscent, Color of ripe fruit as Orange or Dark purple or Black), Stem ridge as Smooth ridges or Dented), Leaf shape as Lanceolate or Ovate or rhomboid), Leaf margin as Sinuate dented or Entire and Inflorescence orientation as Simple or Forked the plant type was scored as Semi erect or erect. Cluster analysis of morphological data was done using PASW Version 20 Statistical software. Results showed that there was phenotypic variation among accessions of African nightshade collected from the three counties since they were grouped into two major clusters A and B meaning that there exists diversity amongst the accessions.