Solanaceae Lecture Exam Flashcards
Why is it important to know that a fruit or a vegetable crop is self-incompatible?
They won’t set fruit if they self-pollinate. They need 2 or more genotypes (different seed, no clones)
Would an indeterminate growth type tomato be a good choice for a container on a patio? Why or why not?
No, indeterminate types will continue to elongate and grow until frost. A determinate (dwarf type) would be better for a container, since it grows only to a specific size.
What are the two general classes of peppers?
Sweet, or C. annuum, types
Hot (‘chili’), or C. chinense, types
What is the compound responsible for the heat in chili peppers? Where in the fruit is it typically found?
Capsaicin- a lipophilic compound that can solubilize with fats. It is mainly found in placental tissues around the seeds
What’s the problem(s) with Bittersweet nightshade?
It re-seeds readily via bird dispersal
Has strong musty/unpleasant odor
All plant parts are toxic!
only 6 berries reported to produce paralysis
What would be your short key for identifying characteristics of the Solanaceae?
-leaves generally alternate
-leaves usually petiolate (have petioles)
-leaves(leaflets) often with reticulate venation (veins interconnected forming a web-like network)
-perfect flowers (cont both male and female parts)
-generally 5 sepals fused or semi-fused into a tube
-5 petals fused or semi-fused into a tube, reflexing as they age
-5 stamens often fused to form tube around the pistil
-fruit usually a berry (sometimes a capsule or berry)
One of the biggest food crops in the world is a member of this family. Which one?
potato (4th biggest food crop in the world)
What are the super hot chili peppers actually bred for?
for pepper/repellent spray! (crowd and bear control)
Where did tobacco originally come from?
It was introduced to teh French court as a wonder drug from the New World in 1586
Can tobacco be used for anything good?
It can be used as an insecticide.
all plant parts except the seeds contain nicotine
