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African nightshades and African eggplants grown in fields at the AVRDC–The World Vegetable Center, Taiwan for analysis at the Nutrition Laboratory, AVRDC-The World Vegetable Center. Photos: RY Yang and Ruby Shiao, AVRDC, Taiwan.
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The Solanaceae plant family contains many food crops
important to agriculture, food security, human nutrition and
health. These include globally-consumed peppers (Capsicum
sp), potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (S. lycopersicum),
eggplant (S. melongena) and regionally consumed, such as,
African nightshades (Solanum section Solanum, S. scabrum
and...
Contexts in source publication
Context 1
... several research projects funded by the Council of Agriculture (COA) in Taiwan, the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), we evaluated five species of African nightshades and 10 species of African eggplants for their nutrient contents Figure 4. Seeds were collected in Taiwan or transferred from Tanzania, Kenya and Cameroon with proper MTA (material transfer agreements). ...
Context 2
... harvested shoot varies from 10-50 cm. Harvest frequency ranges between 7-14 days. Harvested shoots may be kept fresh by wrapping them in small bundles using plastic sheeting or banana leaves, and watered sparingly to avoid rotting. Harvested shoots can also be sundried, wrapped in plastic and used during the dry season when production is limited. Little or no leaf harvest should be performed on plants meant for seed collection ( 22 ). Fruits are harvested when fully ripe, and crushed to separate seeds from the pulp. The crushed berries may be washed immediately or left for a few days to ferment for easier separation of seeds and pulp. Extracted seeds are dried under shade and not direct sunlight. In the last years, the distribution and uses of African nightshades and African eggplants as food and traditional medicines has been the subject of several publications (Table Ia, -Ib). The leaves are appreciated for their slightly bitter taste and are eaten separately or in sauces. The young leaves and fruits are cooked and consumed as a vegetable. In Uganda, the leaves of the Shum group are either steamed or fried in oil with onions or consumed with sauces. The pea-sized bitter fruited S. anguivi cultivars are collected from the wild or cultivated, and consumed in fresh or dried form. In Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, the big fruits of the Gilo group cultivars are boiled to thicken sauces and medium to large fruit of the Kumba group are used in Senegal and Mali as condiments just like any other vegetable in rice-based dishes. Small fruited cultivars of S. macrocarpon are consumed as leafy vegetables in Benin and the large fruits are eaten in other West African countries. African eggplants are also used as ornamentals (Kumba and Aculeatum groups and S. macrocarpon ) and as medicinal plants (chewed leaves are used to treat sore throat, heart disease, constipation and the roots are used to treat worms) ( 13 ). Vegetable nightshades ( Solanum section Solanum ) are grouped among the high priority African indigenous leafy vegetables with potential nutritional and economic benefits. While some reports indicate high nutritional value, others indicate toxicity in nightshades. However, nomenclatural confusion is these reports makes it difficult to clearly distinguish between evaluations of nutritious and toxic species. The true S. nigrum is reportedly poisonous but, generally, the vegetable nightshades are confused with the deadly nightshade ( Atropa belladonna ), which has highly toxic leaves and berries. This confusion has caused all nightshade reports to be treated with some caution ( 16 , 20 ). The status of nightshades, however, is completely different in many parts of Africa, where they have long been used as leafy vegetables and for various medicinal uses. Berries are used as a substitute for raisins in pies, jams and preserves and food-colorant ( 13 , 16 ). Over the years, African nightshades production has shifted from leaf collection from plants in the wild, to kitchen garden cultivation for domestic use and local sale, and now to cultivation in large commercial plots for sale in supermarkets and hotels. The leaves provide a useful green vegetable when boiled like spinach, with a much-liked unique flavor that accompanies the predominantly starch/carbohydrate-based staples ( 13 , 15 ). Nightshade is recommended for malaria patients, newly circumcised initiates, and pregnant or lactating mothers ( 23 ). Medicinally, Kenyans use the nightshade leaves to treat duodenal ulcers and stomach upsets, boils, swollen glands, and they are often rubbed on the gums of young children when teeth are coming in crooked ( 16 , 24 ). Young shoots, leaves and stem of S. scabrum , S villosum and S. americanum are used whereas only the ripe yellow fruit of S. villosum are eaten, especially by children ( 4 ). Data on the nutrient content of African nightshade and African eggplant are scarce in literature. Only one citation by K’Opondo et al. ( 25 ) provided a nutrient composition table for African nightshade. According to K’Opondo’s data, 100 g fresh portion of African nightshade contains 87.2g water, 1.0mg iron, 4.3g protein, 38g calories, 5.7g carbohydrates, 1.4g fibre, 20mg ascorbic acid, 442mg calcium, 75mg phosphorus, 3660 μg β-carotene, and 0.59mg riboflavin. For African eggplant, only the calcium and zinc data were measured for the leaves. Research by Oboh et al. ( 26 ) showed that the leaves contained 32.6mg/kg calcium and 8.2mg/kg zinc. Due to the lack of nutrient data for these two AIVs, nutritional analysis is vital to provide accurate information for the future promotion of these vegetables. Through several research projects funded by the Council of Agriculture (COA) in Taiwan, the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany, and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), we evaluated five species of African nightshades and 10 species of African eggplants for their nutrient contents Figure 4. Seeds were collected in Taiwan or transferred from Tanzania, Kenya and Cameroon with proper MTA (material transfer agreements). Plants were grown at the AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center in Taiwan and measured for nutritional and functional properties. Nutritional values of fruits and leaves of selected Solanum crops are presented in Table IIa and IIb. Flavonoid contents are listed in Table III. The group means of nutritional values of African nightshades (AN) and African eggplants (AE) are presented in Figure 3 in the background comparison with 120 plant species studied previously in AVRDC for their nutritional values ( 27 ...
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Citations
... 21,22 When comparing these results to existing treatments, the enriched fraction appears less potent but could serve as an alternative with fewer side effects or as an adjunct therapy. Moreover, considering the widespread culinary use of black nightshades worldwide, 23,24 it seems ...
... African nightshades (Solanum nigrum complex) are known by various names such as common nightshade, nightshade, garden nightshade, and Solanum nigrum complex [1]. In East Africa, five common ANS species include Solanum americanum, S. scabrum, S. villosum, and S. tarderemotum, referred to as S. eldorettii, S. florulentum, and S. nigrum [1]. ...
... African nightshades (Solanum nigrum complex) are known by various names such as common nightshade, nightshade, garden nightshade, and Solanum nigrum complex [1]. In East Africa, five common ANS species include Solanum americanum, S. scabrum, S. villosum, and S. tarderemotum, referred to as S. eldorettii, S. florulentum, and S. nigrum [1]. ...
... African nightshades grow well at medium and high altitudes at an optimum temperature of around 15 °C and 35 °C. Also, ANS requires rainy seasons with annual precipitation of around 500 -1200 mm [1,7]. African nightshades are mainly produced during the rainy season [8]. ...
African nightshade (ANS, Solanum nigrum complex) is among the most widely distributed and consumed indigenous vegetables in Tanzania. Several challenges hamper the utilization of ANS. This study sought to assess trends and constraints to ANS utilization in Kilimanjaro and Morogoro regions, Tanzania. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to collect information on ANS production, processing, and postharvest handling. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, whereas focus group discussion (FGDs) was used to collect qualitative data. A total of 627 farmers participated to fill questionnaire, and about eight FGDs with 6 - 10 participants conducted in Kilimanjaro and Morogoro. The results showed that 72.1% of farmers grow different ANS species, with Solanum scabrum vastly cultivated. Also, 79.4% of ANS farmers use irrigation, handheld hoe (97.6%), pesticides (70.7%), and fertilizer (64.8%) to produce ANS. African nightshade is mainly used as food (96.1%), animal feed (41.3%), and medicine (38%). On average, only 5% of ANS sales contributed to family income. Findings show that the main constraints to ANS utilization were pests and diseases (92.9%), lack of knowledge (58%), fertilizer shortages (51%), shortages of pesticides (50%), inadequate means of transport (50.4%), lack of extension services (48%), improper postharvest handling (41.4%) and inadequate storage facilities (34%). Postharvest losses accounted for 78.4% loss of ANS. Mitigation measures were; harvesting in small quantities (54.5%) and instant selling (61.9%) of fresh ANS. Drying (5.3%) and fermentation (1.1%) were the minimal value addition methods for ANS preservation. Moreover, boiling (63.0%) and frying (45.4%) were the typical methods of cooking ANS. More emphasis should be placed on good agricultural practices, providing knowledge to farmers, and supporting access to agricultural inputs such as pesticides, fertilizers, and quality seeds. Furthermore, knowledge of the processing and preservation of ANS is necessary for farmers to improve utilization, reduce losses, and ensure ANS availability. Also, research should focus on breeding local cultivar, which is resistant to pests and diseases. Key words: African nightshades, Solanum nigrum complex, cultivation, postharvest handling, utilization, processing, preservation
... There are also several wild plants, including crop wild relatives, traditionally used by rural communities as food and medicine (Carvalho & Barata, 2017;Casas, Otero-Arnaiz, P erez-Negrón, & Valiente-Banuet, 2007). For example, African eggplants (S. aethiopicum, S. macropcarpon, and S. anguivi) and nightshades (S. scabrum and S. villosum) are important local crops in many parts of Africa (Yang & Ojiewo, 2013). In addition to providing food and protection, especially in scarcity times, these species represent a pool of genetic diversity of high importance for breeding programs to help addressing food security challenges (Gebhardt, 2016;Knapp, Vorontsova, & Prohens, 2013;Samuels, 2015;Valdivia-Mares, Rodríguez, Sánchez, & Vargas-ponce, 2016). ...
The Solanaceae family is considered one of the most important families among plant species because, on one hand encompasses many staple food crops of the human diet while, on the other hand, it includes species rich in powerful secondary metabolites that could be valorized in medicine or drug formulation as well as nutraceuticals and food supplements. The main genera are Solanum, Capsicum, Physalis, and Lycium which comprise several important cultivated crops (e.g., tomato, pepper, eggplant, tomatillo, and goji berry), as well as genera notable for species with several pharmaceutical properties (e.g., Datura, Nicotiana, Atropa, Mandragora, etc.). This chapter discusses the nutritional value of the most important Solanaceae species commonly used for their edible fruit, as well as those used in the development of functional foods, food supplements, and nutraceuticals due to their bioactive constituents. The toxic and poisonous effects are also discussed aiming to highlight possible detrimental consequences due to irrational use. Finally, considering the high amount of waste and by-products generated through the value chain of the main crops, the sustainable management practices implemented so far are presented with the aim to increase the added-value of these crops.
... Moreover, antiviral, anticancer, anticonvulsant and anti-infective effects have been reported in eggplants due to the phytochemicals they contain. Narcotic, anti-asthmatic and antirheumatic effects are also ascribed to eggplants [69]. ...
Solanum aethiopicum is a very important vegetable for both rural and urban communities in Africa. The crop is rich in both macro- and micronutrients compared with other vegetables and is suitable for ensuring food and nutritional security. It also possesses several medicinal properties and is currently employed in the treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, cholera, uterine complaints as well as skin infections in humans. The crop is predominantly cultivated by traditional farmers and plays an important role in the subsistence and economy of poor farmers and consumers throughout the developing world. It also holds potential for dietary diversification, greater genetic biodiversity and sustainable production in Africa. Despite the numerous benefits the crop presents, it remains neglected and underutilized due to the world’s over-dependence on a few plant species, as well as the little attention in research and development it has received over the years. This review highlights the importance of S. aethiopicum, its role in crop diversification, reducing hidden hunger, the potential for nutritive and medicinal benefits, agricultural sustainability and future thrusts for breeding and genetic improvement of the plant species.
... However, Weinberger and Msuya (2004) argued that AIVs are not underutilized as usually thought but somewhat are undervalued. ANS belongs to many species in the genus Solanum in the family Solanaceae found in temperate and tropical regions of the world, and it consists of about 90 genera and 2000 to 3000 species (Edmonds & Chweya, 1997;Yang & Ojiewo, 2013). Within this family, Solanum forms the largest and most complex genus composed of more than 1500 species (Edmonds & Chweya, 1997). ...
... Within this family, Solanum forms the largest and most complex genus composed of more than 1500 species (Edmonds & Chweya, 1997). ANS is among the known AIVs rich in nutrients to promote food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) (Yang & Ojiewo, 2013). The AIVs are considered a new cash crop in most SSA regions because they contribute to income generation to individuals and households (Shackleton et al., 2009). ...
... The AIVs are considered a new cash crop in most SSA regions because they contribute to income generation to individuals and households (Shackleton et al., 2009). AIVs have been part of SSA's food systems for generations, and their leaves, young shoots, and flowers are consumed for various purposes (Abukutsa-Onyango, 2010;Ambrose-Oji, 2009;Yang & Ojiewo, 2013). ANSs are among high-priority AIVs with the potential for health, nutrition, and economic benefits (Edmonds & Chweya, 1997;Yang & Ojiewo, 2013). ...
Achieving zero hunger in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) without minimizing postharvest losses of agricultural products is impossible. Therefore, a holistic approach is vital to end hunger, simultaneously improving food security, diversity, and livelihoods. This review focuses on the African nightshades (ANS) Solanum spp. contribution to improving food and nutrition security in SSA. Different parts of ANS are utilized as food and medicine; however, pests and diseases hinder ANS utilization. African nightshade is rich in micronutrients such as β‐carotene, vitamins C and E, minerals (iron, calcium, and zinc), and dietary fiber. The leaves contain a high amount of nutrients than the berries. Proper utilization of ANS can contribute to ending hidden hunger, mainly in children and pregnant women. Literature shows that ANS contains antinutritional factors such as oxalate, phytate, nitrate, and alkaloids; however, their quantities are low to cause potential health effects. Several improved varieties with high yields, rich in nutrients, and low alkaloids have been developed in SSA. Various processing and preservation techniques such as cooking, drying, and fermentation are feasible techniques for value addition on ANS in SSA; moreover, most societies are yet to adopt them effectively. Furthermore, promoting value addition and commercialization of ANS is of importance and can create more jobs. Therefore, this review provides an overview of ANS production and challenges that hinder their utilization, possible solutions, and future research suggestions. This review concludes that ANS is an essential nutritious leafy vegetable for improving nutrition and livelihoods in SSA.
... Triterpenoid saponins [102] and steroidal saponins or glycosides, such as anguiviosides A to C [107], III, XI, XV, and XVI [108] have also been reported to be present in SALF. In addition, the steroidal glycoalkaloids solamargine, anguivine, and isoanguivine have been described to be present in the SALF [109,110]. There is controversy about whether Solanum indicum Linn. ...
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder of glucose homeostasis associated with a status of insulin resistance, impaired insulin signaling, β-cell dysfunction, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, sub-clinical inflammation, and increased oxidative stress. Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in phytochemicals with potential antidiabetic effects may prevent T2DM and/or support a conservative T2DM treatment while being safer and more affordable for people from low-income countries. Solanum anguivi Lam. fruits (SALF) have been suggested to exhibit antidiabetic properties, potentially due to the presence of various phytochemicals, including saponins, phenolics, alkaloids, ascorbic acid, and flavonoids. For the saponin fraction, antidiabetic effects have already been reported. However, it remains unclear whether this is also true for the other phytochemicals present in SALF. This review article covers information on glucose homeostasis, T2DM pathogenesis, and also the potential antidiabetic effects of phytochemicals present in SALF, including their potential mechanisms of action.
... African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) are an important food source in sub-Saharan Africa, and can contribute to enhancing food security and dietary diversity as well as create income generating opportunities for local people [ 1 , 2 ]. Many AIVs have been shown to be nutrient dense [2][3][4][5][6] , and the total protein content typically ranges from ca. 20 ~50% or up to 70% of dry mass [ 7 , 8 ]. Despite literature abundance on total protein of AIVs, there is little information on the actual amino acid (AA) composition. ...
A hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantification of 21 free amino acids (AAs). Compared to published reports, our method renders collectively improved sensitivity with lower limit of quantification or LLOQ at 0.5∼42.19 ng/mL with 0.3 μL injection volume (or equivalently 0.15∼12.6 pg injected on column), robust linear range from LLOQ up to 3521∼5720 ng/mL (or 1056 ∼ 1716 pg on column) and a high throughput with total time of 6 min per sample, as well as easier experimental setup, less maintenance and higher adaptation flexibility. Ammonium formate in the mobile phase, though commonly used in HILIC, was found unnecessary in our experimental setup, and its removal from mobile phase was key for significant improvement in sensitivity (4∼74 times higher than with 5 mM ammonium formate). Addition of 10 (or up to100 mM) hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the sample diluent was crucial to keep response linearity for basic amino acids of histidine, lysine and arginine. Different HCl concentration (10∼100 mM) in sample diluent also excreted an effect on detection sensitivity, and it is of importance to keep the final prepared sample and calibrators in the same HCl level. Leucine and isoleucine were distinguished using different transitions. Validated at seven concentration levels, accuracy was bound within 75∼125%, matrix effect generally within 90∼110%, and precision error mostly below 2.5%. Using this newly developed method, the free amino acids were then quantified in a total of 544 African indigenous vegetables (AIVs) samples from African nightshades (AN), Ethiopian mustards (EM), amaranths (AM) and spider plants (SP), comprising a total of 8 identified species and 43 accessions, cultivated and harvested in USA, Kenya and Tanzania over several years, 2013∼2018. The AN, EM, AM and SP were distinguished based on free AAs profile using machine learning methods (ML) including principle component analysis, discriminant analysis, naïve Bayes, elastic net-regularized logistic regression, random forest and support vector machine, with prediction accuracy achieved at ca 83∼97% on the test set (train/test ratio at 7/3). An interactive ML platform was constructed using R Shiny at https://boyuan.shinyapps.io/AIV_Classifier/ for modelling train-test simulation and category prediction of unknown AIV sample(s). This new method presents a robust and rapid approach to quantifying free amino acids in plants for use in evaluating plants, biofortification, botanical authentication, safety, adulteration and with applications to nutrition, health and food product development.
... Species of black nightshades are used as leafy vegetables or fruits throughout the world, sometimes referred to as 'supervegetables' for their high protein and iron content (FAO 1988;Yang and Ojiewo 2013;Cernansky 2015;Ronoh et al. 2017;Fokon and Domugang 1989). Species of the group are wild-harvested or cultivated for their juicy berries in both the Old and the New Worlds, in both the tropics and temperate zones (e.g. ...
... In Africa, species are cultivated either for use as leaf vegetables (e.g. S. americanum, S. memphiticum, S. scabrum, S. tarderemotum, S. umalilaense, S. villosum) or for their fruits (e.g. S. americanum, S. retroflexum, S. scabrum, S. villosum). Leaves of African nightshades are high in flavonoids, vitamin C, folates, iron and antioxidants (Akubugwo et al. 2007;Keding et al. 2007;Yang and Ojiewo 2013;Ronoh et al. 2017) and the leaves are often cooked in milk to make them less bitter. Medicinal uses in Africa include antiseptic for eyes and skin, treatment of diarrhoea (Essou and Hermans 2006) and as a general tonic for health (Yang and Ojiewo 2013). ...
... Leaves of African nightshades are high in flavonoids, vitamin C, folates, iron and antioxidants (Akubugwo et al. 2007;Keding et al. 2007;Yang and Ojiewo 2013;Ronoh et al. 2017) and the leaves are often cooked in milk to make them less bitter. Medicinal uses in Africa include antiseptic for eyes and skin, treatment of diarrhoea (Essou and Hermans 2006) and as a general tonic for health (Yang and Ojiewo 2013). Seeds have been found to be rich in lipids and a good source of essential fatty acids used in some areas in Africa (Nzikou et al. 2007). ...
The Morelloid clade, also known as the black nightshades or “Maurella” (Morella), is one of the 10 major clades within Solanum L. The pantropical clade consists of 75 currently recognised non-spiny herbaceous and suffrutescent species with simple or branched hairs with or without glandular tips, with a centre of distribution in the tropical Andes. A secondary centre of diversity is found in Africa, where a set of mainly polyploid taxa occur. A yet smaller set of species is found in Australasia and Europe, including Solanumnigrum L., the type of the genus Solanum . Due to the large number of published synonyms, combined with complex morphological variation, our understanding of species limits and diversity in the Morelloid clade has remained poor despite detailed morphological studies carried out in conjunction with breeding experiments. Here we provide the first taxonomic overview since the 19 th century of the entire group in the Old World, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and islands of the Pacific. Complete synonymy, morphological descriptions, distribution maps and common names and uses are provided for all 19 species occurring outside the Americas (i.e. Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and islands of the Pacific). We treat 12 species native to the Old World, as well as 7 taxa that are putatively introduced and/or invasive in the region. The current knowledge of the origin of the polyploid species is summarised. A key to all of the species occurring in the Old World is provided, together with line drawings and colour figures to aid identification both in herbaria and in the field. Preliminary conservation assessments are provided for all species.
... Some fruit type vegetables such as African eggplant contain high levels of carotenoids that vary with harvest stage (Kamga et al., 2013). Moreover, many traditional African vegetables have substantive antioxidant properties (Yang and Ojiewo, 2013). Because traditional African leafy vegetables in general are scale-neutral and command higher profit margins than (Muhanji et al., 2011), they could be a major source of income for low-income households. ...
The importance of traditional African vegetables is increasing with the rising awareness of their contribution to food security, human nutrition and income diversification, particularly in economically and environmentally marginal areas. Under the impetus of renewed donor interest, more research and development organizations are engaging in activities along the African traditional vegetable value chain, and these crops are receiving greater improvement research. From its regional office for Eastern and Southern Africa in Arusha, Tanzania, AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center commenced vegetable research and development in sub-Saharan Africa in 1992. We highlight significant achievements in germplasm collection, conservation, improvement and development activities regionally, and outline future breeding strategies for priority traditional African vegetables. The breeding strategy starts with selection within landraces or germplasm accessions and creation of genetic variability, and continues through to gender-disaggregated participatory plant breeding, in which selections are made within the target environment with the participation of local users, ensuring that the target production environment and the needs of the end users are fully taken into account. This paper defines the roles of partners at various stages of the breeding program (germplasm development, evaluation and cultivar release) and in subsequent development activities (cultivar deployment and seed systems) for more effective and sustainable research and development in traditional vegetables.
... The complex taxonomy of many of these species and the need for precise identification are areas where capacity building is likely to be required for staff of national and international genebanks. For example, in the case of the African nightshades and eggplants (Solanum scabrum, S. nigrum, S. villosum, S. aethiopicum, S. macrocarpon, S. anguivi, etc.) effective taxonomic characterization is mandatory given that their near relative found in Europe and North America (Atropa belladonna) is toxic to humans (Yang and Ojiewo, 2013). The Global Action Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, adopted at Leipzig (Germany) in June, 1996 gave clear priority to the conservation and use of minor and underutilized crop species (FAO, 1996). ...
Indigenous (traditional) vegetables are best defined as species that are locally important for the sustainability of economies, human nutrition and health, and social systems - but which have yet to attain global recognition to the same extent as major vegetable commodities such as tomato or cabbage. Given the hundreds of indigenous vegetables consumed worldwide, their accumulated value for mankind is considerable. These species deserve much greater recognition and investment in agricultural research and development than they have presently. Indigenous vegetables are primary candidates for greater use of crop biodiversity in horticulture as they are already consumed and enjoyed locally and can be produced profitably in both rural and urban environments. Yet many such species have received little scientific attention to date. More effort in research and development would likely produce rewarding results, as productivity increases in these neglected crops are much easier to realize than for intensively researched staple cereals. Questions therefore are: 1) How can we rescue, conserve and utilize the genetic diversity of cultivated and wild forms of indigenous vegetables under threat of genetic erosion?; 2) How can the lack of quality seed be overcome?; 3) Given the increased levels of biotic and abiotic stresses driven by climate change, as well as existing rural-urban migration trends, how can these indigenous vegetables help produce sufficient quantities of quality food?; 4) Can postharvest management be improved to make market chains more effective and profitable?; 5) Can greater consumption of such diverse and nutritious indigenous vegetables be encouraged, knowing that changing dietary habits is a difficult exercise?.
