Tolerance of Solanum torvum Sw.

Solanum torvum possesses pronounced resistance to a wide range of soil-borne pathogens, including Fusarium and bacterial wilts, as well as root-knot nematodes of the species Meloidogyne incognita. In addition to biotic resistance, the species exhibits tolerance to abiotic factors such as soil salinity, waterlogging, and moisture deficit, which allows for maintaining high productivity under unfavorable conditions.

When assessing the salt tolerance of S. torvum, physiological and biochemical indicators are used, including the comparison of biomass and root length in media with high NaCl content, and the analysis of proline content and oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde. The study of the response to biotic stresses is based on a scoring scale for lesion symptoms and the percentage of plant survival upon inoculation.

The use of S. torvum as a rootstock provides protection for the eggplant scion against ionic toxicity due to the root system's ability to effectively compartmentalize sodium ions in vacuoles. These mechanisms prevent the accumulation of toxic compounds in the aerial parts of the cultivated plant, which promotes stable fruit production and extends the growing season even under high infectious pressure.