Category Archives: b_original_articles

Saima Mumtaz^1,2,3, Muhammad Azam Khan^1*, Armghan Shahzad⁴, Rashid Mehmood Rana^5*, Irfan Ali¹

¹Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, 46300, Pakistan

²Horticultural Research Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), Islamabad, Pakistan

³Horticultural Science Department, North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida/IFAS, Quincy, FL 32351, USA

⁴National Institute of Genomics & Biotechnology (NAGAB), NARC, Islamabad, Pakistan

⁵Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan

*Corresponding authors’ email: rashid.pbg@uaar.edu.pk; drazam1980@uaar.edu.pk

Received: 22 February 2025 / Accepted: 20 August 2025 / Published Online: 22 September 2025

Abstract

A study was designed to determine the influence of different rootstocks on the growth, leaf nutrient composition, and physiological parameters of Kinnow (C. nobilis×C. deliciosa). In this experiment, two years old grafted plants of Kinnow on nine citrus rootstocks, including Trifoliate orange  (Poncirus trifoliata), C-35 citrange (Ruby orange ×Webber-Fawcett trifoliate), Troyer citrange (C. sinensis “Washington”× Poncirus trifoliata), Carrizo citrange (C. sinensis “Washington”× Poncirus trifoliata), Benton citrange (Poncirus trifoliate × C. sinensis), Cleoptera mandarin (C. reshni), Cox mandarin (C. reticulata ‘Scarlet mandarin’ × Poncirus trifoliata ‘trifoliate orange’), Rough lemon (C. jambhiri), and Sour orange (C. aurantifolia) was used. The research was carried out over two consecutive years in the Pothowar region, Islamabad, Pakistan. Results revealed that different citrus rootstocks significantly affected ‘Kinnow’ growth in both years at P<0.05. ‘Carrizo’ rootstock resulted in significant increase in scion diameter, rootstock diameter, graft union diameter, leaf number, and leaf area of Kinnow in the year 2023. For physiological parameters, ‘Kinnow’ leaves had higher ‘An’, ‘ci’, ‘WUE’ values and Chlorophyll contents (SPAD) when plants were grafted onto Carrizo rootstock in 2022 and 2023, whereas VPD values were only higher on Carrizo rootstock during 2023. Regarding leaf nutrient compositions, ‘Kinnow’ leaves showed a notable increase in nitrogen (N) content when grafted onto Carrizo rootstock in 2023. Similarly, higher values of leaf potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) contents were observed when ‘Kinnow’ was grafted onto Carrizo rootstock. Overall, plants grafted on Poncirus had lower values of ‘VPD’, ‘gs’, ‘Ci’, ‘E’ compared to others during the studied period. Significant correlations among the morphological, physiological, and leaf nutrient compositions were identified at the P<0.01 and P<0.05 significance levels, showing that all the investigated parameters were strongly correlated. In conclusion, Kinnow had more growth on the ‘Carrizo’ rootstock, showing better results for growth vigor, nutrient uptake and physiological attributes.

Keywords: Citrus, Rootstocks, Kinnow, Carrizo, Nutrient composition, Cox, Physiological parameters, PCA

Shaokun Sun^1,2, Meng Li², Lili Zhao¹, Shujun Liu¹*

¹Institute of Vegetable Research, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, Liaoning, China

²College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China

*Corresponding author’s email: llssjj2000@163.com

Received: 04 May 2025 / Accepted: 11 September 2025 / Published Online: 20 September 2025

Abstract

Fertiliser application can enhance soil fertility while influencing the structure and diversity of archaeal communities in croplands. However, the relationship between soil fertility and Archaea remains insufficiently explored. Here, we examined this interaction in a 34-year vegetable fertilisation experiment in Northeast China. Six treatments were selected: an unfertilised control (CK), organic fertiliser alone (MN₀), nitrogen fertiliser combined with organic fertiliser (MN₁ and MN₂), and nitrogen fertiliser alone (N₁ and N₂). Results indicated that Organic fertilizer treatments (MN0/MN1/MN2) significantly increased soil organic matter (36.1%–51.1%), total nitrogen (51.1%–88.9%), available phosphorus (2.2–5.1-fold), and available potassium (3.0–4.0-fold), whereas sole nitrogen fertilization (N1/N2) induced soil acidification and salinization risk. Combined fertilization (MN1) stimulated hydrolase activities (urease increased by 149%–217%, invertase increased by 60–130%), boosted enhanced nitrogen-phosphorus transformation (neutral phosphatase increased by 102%); Thaumarchaeota (87%) dominated as the core phylum, exhibiting significant negative correlations with SOM, EC, and catalase (CAT) activity (P<0.05); Sole nitrogen fertilization enriched Euryarchaeota (N1:10%) and Marine Group II (N1:9.5%); Organic amendments promoted unclassified archaeal proliferation (MN1:29%), with LEfSe identifying Soil Crenarchaeotic Group SCG as a biomarker for organic treatments; The tomato yield under combined fertilization (MN1) reached 2.5 times that of CK, showing significant correlation with Thaumarchaeota abundance (P<0.05). These results suggested that integrated organic-inorganic fertilization synergistically improves nutrient use efficiency and sustains soil health by optimizing archaeal community structure (elevating Thaumarchaeota/unclassified taxa) and enhancing enzymatic networks, providing microbial regulation targets for precision agriculture in greenhouse systems.

Keywords: Archaea, Soil fertility, Soil enzymes, High throughput sequencing

Maryam A. Bin Watyan^1,2, Abdullah AlAmri¹, Ramesa Shafi Bhat³*, Sara O. Alghamedi¹, Mohammed AlZahrani⁴, Jilani Shaik¹, Arwa Ishaq Khayyat¹, Sooad AlDaihan¹*, Mohammed Alanazi¹

1Genome Research Chair, Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2Saudi Food and Drug Authority, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

3Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

4Biology Department, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

*Corresponding authors’ emails: rbhat@ksu.edu.sa; sdaihan@ksu.edu.sa

Received: 01 May 2025 / Accepted: 20 August 2025 / Published Online: 11 September 2025

Abstract

Lepidium sativum has been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments because of its potential pharmacological properties, however, its impact on the growth and differentiation of colorectal cancer cells is still not well understood. Antiproliferative properties of L. sativum leaf extract, was investigated. The MTT assay was performed, followed by the RT2 Profiler PCR Array to analyze the expression of 84 human DNA damage and repair pathway genes in two human colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW620, after exposure to L. sativum extracts. The results showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability for HCT116 and SW620 cells following treatment with L. sativum extract. PCR array analysis of the 84 DNA repair genes revealed valuable insights into cellular responses and mechanisms behind the non-conventional treatments of cancer cells. RT-PCR analysis confirmed significant modulation of DNA damage response (DDR) genes, including increased expression of apoptosis-related genes DDIT3 and GADD45G, alongside decreased expression of the repair gene MPG. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis identified 10 compounds with promising pharmacokinetic properties and a favorable ADMET profile, in line with Lipinski’s Rule of Five. This study suggests that L. sativum extract induces apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Lepidium sativum, Colorectal cancer, RT2 profiler PCR array, HCT116, SW620

Licuo Ze^1,2,3+, Mengqi Duan^1,2,3,4+, MingBang Wei^1,2,3, Guoxin Wu^1,2,3, Haoyang Nie^1,2,3, Jingrui Ji^1,2,3, Zhankun Tan^1,2,3, Yangzom Chamba^1,2,3*, Peng Shang^1,2,3*

¹College of Animal Science, Tibet Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University, Linzhi, China

²Key Laboratory of Tibetan Pig Genetic Improvement and Reproduction Engineering, Nyingchi 860000, Tibet, China

³Tibetan Pig Science and Technology Courtyard in Nyingchi, Nyingchi 860000, Tibet, China

⁴College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China

⁺These authors contributed equally to this work

*Corresponding authors’ emails: yeyourong@xza.edu.cn; nemoshpmh@126.com

Received: 15 June 2025 / Accepted: 06 August 2025 / Published Online: 27 August 2025

Abstract

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China’s largest ecologically fragile and sensitive region, is critical for understanding wildlife-environment interactions. To clarify the gut microbiota characteristics of Wild Rock Sheep (Pseudois nayaur) in this region and explore their potential ecological implications, we performed 16S rDNA sequencing on field-collected fecal samples. A total of 386,588 high-quality sequences were obtained, with an average of 111,382 valid combined sequences per sample. At the phylum level, Firmicutes dominate over Bacteroidetes, with notable inter-individual variations in their relative abundances. At the genus level, UCG-005 and Rikenellaceae-RC9-gut-group were the key differential taxa. with distinct abundances across samples. α-diversity indices (Chao1, ACE, Simpson, and Shannon) indicated high species richness, diversity, and evenness in the microbial communities, reflecting a stable gut ecosystem. Functional prediction revealed that the gut microbiota was primarily involved in core metabolic processes, including carbohydrate, amino acid, cofactor and vitamin metabolic processes, as well as terpenoid/polyketide, nucleotide, energy, and lipid metabolism.

Compared to prior studies on Rock Sheep gut microbiota, our work uniquely focuses on the ecologically fragile Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, linking microbial traits to potential adaptations to high-altitude environments. These findings enhance understanding of wildlife-microbiota-environment interactions and provide baseline data for conservation and ecological management in the region.

Keywords: Wild Rock Sheep, 16S rRNA sequencing, Gut microorganism, Microbial diversity

Vladislava Maslennikova^1,2, Evgeniya Shelikhova^1,2, Kirill Mosalev¹, Kirill Tabanyukhov^1,2, Svetlana Miroshnichenko¹, Ilya Deulin¹, Mariya Pykhtina¹*

¹Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, 2 Timakova Street, 630630, Russia

²Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, Novosibirsk, Dobrolubova Street 160, 630039, Russia

*Corresponding author’s email: pykhtina_maria@mail.ru

Received: 20 May 2025 / Accepted: 09 August 2025 / Published Online: 27 August 2025

Abstract

Viruses significantly affect various aspects of potato plants by inhibiting their growth and development and reducing their yield. Different potato varieties vary in their resistance to viruses, ranging from highly susceptible to completely resistant, and this is influenced by many factors including rational zoning. In this work, the effect of the PVX, PVY, PVM, PLRV, PVA, PVS and PSTVd viruses on the potato varieties Gala, Red Scarlett and Rosara were investigated. All three varieties were resistant to PVY in accordance with official registers. Mono-infection confirmed this resistance through the absence of morphological manifestations. The Gala variety was characterized only by poly-infection, which only led to a drop in the chlorophyll and carotenoid content, an increase in the malonic dialdehyde level and, accordingly, was manifested by leaf deformation, chlorosis and stem thinning. A proportion of 20.5% of the Rosara variety potatoes were infected with PVY. Poly-infection decreased the chlorophyll a level, increased the carotenoid and peroxidase levels, and slightly increased the MDA level, which resulted in leaf chlorosis. The uninfected Red Scarlett potatoes had low peroxidase levels, high MDA levels, and the lowest number of stems. The occurrence of PVY was highest in this cultivar (87.8%). Infection with the PVY and PVM viruses was accompanied by a decrease in chlorophyll a, an increase in MDA and slight chlorosis. Thus, viral infection, especially polyinfection, by increasing the level of malondialdehyde and disrupting the photosynthetic system, will lead to increased susceptibility of plants to biotic and abiotic factors.

Keywords: Potato viruses, Polyinfection of рotatoes, Chlorophylls, Peroxidase, MDA, Carotenoids, Oxidation-reduction balance

Nawal Abdulaziz Alfuhaid¹, Rania M. A. Helmy², El-desoky S. Ibrahim³, Moataz A.M. Moustafa³*

¹Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
²Pesticide Residues and Environmental Pollution Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza 12618, Egypt
³Department of Economic Entomology and Pesticides, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt

*Corresponding author’s email: moat_mon@agr.cu.edu.eg

Received: 03 May 2025 / Accepted: 20 August 2025 / Published Online: 27 August 2025

Abstract

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a globally significant vegetable crop that is frequently targeted by various insect pests including the onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman. This study evaluated the efficacy of three insecticides – dinotefuran, flonicamid, and flometoquin – against adult T. tabaci on onion using two application methods: drip chemigation and foliar application. Additionally, the study assessed residues of the three insecticides in green onions and onion bulbs, as well as plant growth and productivity response to the insecticides. The results showed that flometoquin, flonicamid and dinotefuran have effectively controlled A. cepa infestations after foliar application. However, flometoquin chemigation maintained effective control for 45 days after application. The findings indicated that the tested insecticides did not significantly impact plant height or leaf number; however, the foliar application of flometoquin resulted in the highest mean bulb weight and overall crop yield per m², while the drip chemigation method produced the highest chloroplast density in plant cells. Flonicamid and dinotefuran exhibited prolonged persistence with residues detectable up to 45 d post-chemigation. Additionally, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used as the primary technique for residue determination of flonicamid, flometoquin and dinotefuran with retention time 3.8, 4.54 and 4.9 min. the LOQ of tested pesticides were 0.1 mg/kg. While Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) of flonicamid, flometoquin and dinotefuran was 0.03, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg. The half-lives of flonicamid were 2.28 and 4.16 d and the pre-harvest intervals (PHI) were 5 and 10 d for spraying and chemigation, respectively. Flometoquin had a half-life of 3.03 d after spraying, with a PHI of 10 d. Dinotefuran’s half-lives were 3.34 and 2.17 d, with PHIs of 15 and 10 d in green onions following spraying and chemigation, respectively. Our results suggest that drip chemigation with dinotefuran and flonicamid represents a promising and cost-effective strategy for the sustainable management of onion thrips.

Keywords: Onion thrips, Insecticide efficacy, Foliar application, Drip chemigation, Insecticide residue

Ireng Darwati¹, Rohani Cinta Badia Ginting², Muchamad Yusron^1*, April Hari Wardhana³, Gina Aliya Sopha⁴, Octivia Trisilawati¹, Devi Rusmin¹, Raden Vitri Garvita⁵, Nikardi Gunadi⁶, Rudi Suryadi¹, Indarti Puji Lestari⁶, Yati Haryati⁶, Kiki Kusyaeri Hamdani⁶, Ika Cartika⁶, Agustina E Br Marpaung⁶, Hamdan Drian Adiwijaya⁷, Lusiana⁷

¹Research Center for Estate Crops, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia

²Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia

³Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia

⁴Directorate of Research, Technology and Innovation Policy Evaluation, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, 10340, Indonesia

⁵Research Center for Applied Botany, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia

⁶Research Center for Horticulture, National Research and Innovation Agency, Bogor, 16911, Indonesia

⁷University of Subang, Subang, 41285, Indonesia

*Corresponding author’s email: yusron1061@gmail.com

Received: 08 June 2025 / Accepted: 07 August 2025 / Published Online: 19 August 2025

Abstract

Ameliorants improve soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties, boosting fertility and productivity. While many studies focus on their chemical effects, few have explored their impact on soil microbial changes. This study investigated changes in soil nutrients and bacterial communities in Red Yellow Podzolic soil amended with black soldier fly (BSF) frass, using metagenomic analysis. The soil, treated with BSF frass, lime, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), was incubated for a period of three months. Samples included untreated soil (S), BSF frass (BF), and treated soil (TS). Nutrients were analysed using AAS and spectrophotometry, while bacterial communities were assessed via Illumina NGS. The nutrient profile of BSF frass (BF) differed significantly from that of the soil. Ameliorant application increased exchangeable K⁺, Mg²⁺, and Base Saturation. Metagenomic analysis revealed distinct bacterial compositions, with 753 ASVs in soil (S), 408 in BF, and 613 in treated soil (TS). The dominant genera in the soil included JG30-KF-AS9 (26%), Acidothermus (15%), and Xanthobacteraceae (5%). In treated soil (TS), the predominant genera were similar but differed in relative abundance, comprising JG30-KF-AS9 (29%), Alicyclobacillus (14%), Acidothermus (11%), and 1921-2 (6%). The abundance of Alicyclobacillus increased significantly, from 1% in the soil (S) to 14% in the treated soil (TS). The bacteriome community in BF was markedly differed, with predominant genera including Galbibacter (13%), Brevibacterium (8%), Celvibrioraceae (6%), and Moheibacter (5%). These bacteria are capable of decomposing organic matter; therefore, the use of BSF frass on acidic soil is expected to enhance soil fertility and health.

Keywords: Acid soil, Ameliorant, Bacterial, Black soldier fly (BSF) frass, Metagenomic

Phanwimol Tanhan¹, Kanjana Imsilp¹, Niyada Lansubsakul², Wachiryah Thong-asa³*

¹Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

²Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

³Animal Toxicology and Physiology Specialty Research Unit (ATPSRU), Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

*Corresponding author’s email: fsciwyth@ku.ac.th

Received: 17 May 2025 / Accepted: 07 August 2025 / Published Online: 19 August 2025

Abstract

Exposure to heavy metals and bioaccumulation in the tissues can directly impact animal health and well-being. Mud crabs exhibit varying capacities for accumulating heavy metals and oxidative stress in their tissues due to their unique physiology and oxidative defense mechanisms. The present study investigated tissue oxidation in response to lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) accumulation in two types of wild mud crabs, Scylla olivacea and Scylla paramamosain. Samples were collected from the ecologically vulnerable, anthropogenically impacted region of Pattani Bay, Thailand. Muscles, gills, hepatopancreases, and gonads were dissected to evaluate metal content and oxidative status, including lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. Metal content in soil and water collected from the sampling area was analyzed. Results revealed that the hepatopancreas had the highest capacity for accumulating Cd and Pb in the two mud crab species. Hepatopancreases also exhibited the greatest sensitivity to oxidative stress, as evidenced by significantly elevated lipid peroxidation levels. S. paramamosain was more vulnerable to bioaccumulation than S. olivacea. Positive correlation has been indicated between soil Pb contamination and bioaccumulation in the muscles and gills of the two mud crabs. We concluded that Pb and Cd accumulate in a tissue-specific manner; the hepatopancreas was the most accumulative. Species-specific oxidative responses to heavy metal accumulation may be considered. S. paramamosain exhibited more sensitivity than S. olivacea. Moreover, S. paramamosain’s oxidative response indicated some weakness characterized by a negative relationship between lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione.

Keywords: Cadmium, Heavy metal accumulation, Hepatopancreas, Lead, Oxidative response

Hibat Allah Annabi^1*, Bochra Laribi¹, Anissa Riahi², Amira Hachana³, Hanen Arfaoui³, Mouna Mechri⁴, Yassine Sekma², Abdessalem Shili⁵, Taoufik Bettaieb¹

¹Laboratory of Horticultural Sciences, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT), University of Carthage, 43 Av. Charles Nicolle-1082, Tunis, Tunisia

²Higher School of Agriculture of Kef (ESA Kef), University of Jendouba-7119, Le Kef, Tunisia

³Laboratory of Agricultural Sciences and Techniques, National Institute of Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT), University of Carthage, Tunisia

⁴National Institute of Field Crops (INGC), Boussalem, Jendouba, Tunisia

⁵Research Laboratory Ecosystems & Aquatic Resources, National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia (INAT), University of Carthage, 43 Av. Charles Nicolle-1082, Tunis, Tunisia

*Corresponding author’s emails: hiba.annabi@inat.ucar.tn; hibaannabi5@gmail.com

Received: 01 May 2025 / Accepted: 28 July 2025 / Published Online: 09 August 2025

Abstract

Seaweed extracts are substances rich in numerous plant growth stimulating molecules such as macro and micronutrients as well as hormones and have been used in agriculture for decades for their renown activity in promoting plant development. This research was conducted to examine the efficiency of two aqueous seaweed extracts as biostimulants in enhancing the growth and mineral composition of lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. longifolia) grown in aquaponics. Therefore, lettuce plants were grown under a greenhouse in a Nutrient Film Technique aquaponic system. The green algae extracts were prepared from Chaetomorpha linum and Ulva linza and their application was done by foliar spraying. Results showed that C. linum extract positively affected lettuce growth and biomass production. Indeed, this treatment enhanced the majority of the parameters studied: a significant increase in the number of leaves (20.56 leaves developed per plant, P < 0.05), the root length (22.30 cm, P < 0.05) and the shoot dry weight (13.68 g, P < 0.05) was observed. The chlorophyll and carotenoids contents of aquaponically grown lettuce were enhanced by the application of the aforementioned treatment, nevertheless these differences were not statistically significant. Overall results related to the mineral composition highlighted the effectiveness of U. linza extract. This latter treatment has significantly improved the Ca (by 8.75%, P < 0.05), Fe (by 2.71%, P < 0.05), Cu (by 26.88%, P < 0.05), Mn (by 7.92%, P < 0.05) and Zn (by 45.35%, P < 0.05) contents in lettuce leaves. These findings prove the potential of the studied algae extracts as biostimulants, thus encouraging their use in the enhancement of aquaponically grown lettuce productivity.

Keywords: NFT, Chaetomorpha linum, Ulva linza, Nile Tilapia, Biostimulant

Rebecca Jia Yinn Ng¹, Zhihui Chen², Lu Tan³, Douglas Law¹, Wenbo Liao², Yangyang Liu⁴*, Shiou Yih Lee¹*

¹Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, INTI International University, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

²State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510275 Guangzhou, Guangdong, China

³Faculty of Liberal Arts, Shinawatra University, Pathum Thani 12160, Thailand

⁴International Joint Research Center for Quality of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Branch of the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 570311 Haikou, Hainan, China

*Corresponding authors’ emails: yyliu@implad.ac.cn; shiouyih.lee@newinti.edu.my

Received: 29 May 2025 / Accepted: 24 July 2025 / Published Online: 09 August 2025

Abstract

Solanum members are economically important crops worldwide; these species lack molecular information. We assembled and annotated the chloroplast (cp) genomes of three Solanum species: Solanum aculeatissimum, Solanum lasiocarpum, and Soalnum pittosporifolium. Genome comparative analyses characterised these species, and a phylogenetic tree was reconstructed using maximum likelihood and approximate Bayesian inference methods on the complete cp genome sequence without IRA. The cp genomes of S. aculeatissimum, S. lasiocarpum, and S. pittosporifolium displayed a quadripartite circular structure that was 155,821 bp, 155,671 bp, and 155,926 bp in length, respectively. S. aculeatissimum and S. lasiocarpum cp genomes had 131 unique genes, including 86 protein-coding (CDS), 37 transfer RNA, and eight ribosomal RNA genes. S. pittosporifolium had an additional CDS gene, bringing the total to 130. The sequence alignment of 23 Solanum species revealed four highly variable regions in the cp genome: ndhC–trnV-UAC, petD, rpl33–rpl8, and ycf1, when Pi > 0.03. Based on the complete cp genome sequence of 27 Chinese Solanum species, phylogenetic analysis showed a monophyletic relationship. The maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference methods placed S. aculeatissimum and S. lasiocarpum in the same clade as Solanum capsicoides, while S. pittosporifolium was placed with Solanum dulcamara, Solanum japonense, and Solanum septemlobum.

Keywords: Brinjal, Genetic resources, Next-generation sequencing, Plastid genome, Solanales