Scientific name –Solanum nigrum

Family – Solanaceae

Chromosome number 2n=24

Origin and distribution

• Makoi has originated in India
• It is found in Sri Lanka, China, Guyana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Europe, etc.

Composition and uses

• The leaves, green berries, as well as the whole plant are medicinally important
• The leaves contain glycol-alkaloids solamargine and solasodine
• Immature green berries contain solamargine, solasonine, α-solanigrine β-solanigrine, which yield solasodine as aglycone
• The total alkaloid content of the leaf and berry is 0.4 and 0.1% respectively
• The whole plant is credited with anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant and laxative properties

Propagation

• Makoi is propagated using seeds
• Seeds can be directly sown or seedlings are transplanted after raising in the nursery
• The seed rate is 200-250g/ha
• Pre-soaking seeds in 500ppm GA₃ for 12 hours enhance germination
• Seeds being small are mixed with fine sand and sown in 10cm wide lines 1cm deep
• Seeds germinate by a week and seedlings are ready for transplanting by a month

Planting

• Makoi seedlings are transplanted at 60x45cm spacing in the inner side of ridges
• The best time of transplanting is June-July
• Gap filling is done after 15 days of planting

Manures and fertilizers

• FYM @ 10-15tons/ha is incorporated at the time of last ploughing
• 100:50:50kg of N:P₂O₅:K₂O is recommended
• Half N and full P and K is given 7 days after transplanting
• Remaining half N is top dressed after 30 days and the crop is earthed up

written by

suma c hosalli