Abstract:
frican nightshades (
Solanum
section
Solanum
) are an important source of daily nutrients and income for small-scale farmers in sub-
Saharan Africa and are a delicacy for urban inhabitants. The section is one of the most ubiquitous, largest and most diverse sp
ecies groups
of the genus
Solanum
, with more than 30 reported species. Complete profiling of the species in this section has been hampered by several
morphological, cytological and taxonomic complexities. There is great diversity within the section that could be exploited to i
mprove
African nightshade for greater productivity, income generation and nutritional benefits. This paper outlines some factors respo
nsible for
the diversity and emphasizes the need for conservation, improvement and utilization of the agrobiodiversity within this section
.
