Makoi/ black nightshade uses and cultivation practices.
Uncategorized Oct 20, 2020

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