Solanum sisymbriifolium in Sardinia (IT)
Solanum sisymbriifolium (Solanaceae) is an annual or perennial erect plant, 1 to 2 m tall, originating from South America that is currently distributed in all continents. This plant has many uses: it is used as a trap crop for potato cyst nematodes (Globodera spp.), and its fruits are used as a source of solasodine (to synthesize hormones for pharmacology). However, it can have invasive behaviour by outcompeting native vegetation.
S. sisymbriifolium has been introduced in Europe for ornamental purposes. It is present in some EPPO countries (Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden), but its status remains unclear. This plant is found along roadsides, in wastelands and in agricultural areas.
In Sardinia, the first observation was made in 1983 and the plant has then significantly increased its distribution range in coastal zones. Results from monitoring published in 2003 highlight that S. sisymbriifolium was found to be present in 231 sites distributed in the North-East of the island. This species is considered as a threat for irrigated crops in Sardinia.
Sources
Usai M, Foddai M, Brunu A, Azara E, Camarda I (2008) [Solanum sisymbrifolium Lamarck exotic casual weed of Sardinia: spread and phytochemical aspects]. Natural Diciembre 2008, 22-26 (in Italian).
Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe (DAISIE). http://www.europe-aliens.org/
Global Invasive Species Database. http://137.227.231.81/database/species/ecology.asp?si=1216;fr=1;sts=
NOBANIS - Network on Invasive Alien Species. http://www.nobanis.org