Zubaida Yousaf, PhD
Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Ana Akram
Lahore College for Women University, Jail Road Lahore, Pakistan

Hafiza Ayesha Rehman
Lahore College for Women University, Jail Road Lahore, Pakistan

Series: Botanical Research and Practices
BISAC: SCI011000

Traditional societies have always exploited edible wild plants to provide an adequate level of nutrition. These plant resources play a significant role in nutrition, food security and income generation. Agricultural development and cultivation in developing countries are primarily based on subsistence crops and edible wild plant species, and only secondary on the cultivation or utilization of a wide diversity of food crops. The Solanaceae, to which the genus Solanum L. belongs, is a cosmopolitan family containing many essential vegetables, fruits and ornamentals. Many species of genus Solanum are worldwide weeds of arable land and gardens, contained in soils rich in nitrogen, with moderate light and warm climates, which occur from sea to mountain levels. They are widely used as leafy herbs, vegetables, as a source of fruit and for various medicinal purposes.

Therefore, human consumption of their leaves and fruit as food is widespread. Among them is Solanum torvum Swartz, which could be an important staple crop used for various research purposes worldwide. It is a potential staple crop due to its pharmacological and ethnobotanical importance. This book attempts to uncap all the available information on Solanum torvum Swartz. Providing an identification key, this book accurately describes the taxa and most widely reported dietary, ethnobotanical and pharmacological uses. This book intends to contribute to improving the potential value of Solanum torvum Swartz through increased use of the available genetic diversity. Monographs in the series will serve as valuable reference sources for all scientists involved in conservation, research, improvement and promotion of this plant species. (Imprint: Novinka )