ARS | Publication request: Tropical Soda Apple (Solanum viarum)

Submitted to: Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Research Report
Publication Type: Experiment Station
Publication Acceptance Date: January 26, 2008
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Tropical soda apple is a pernicious Federal Noxious Weed that continues to spread at an alarming rate in the southeastern United States. This fact sheet provides an update on the knowledge of the biology and ecology of tropical soda apple based on recent research findings, distribution data, and the most recent and effective chemical and mechanical control methods. Comparisons with two other prickly nightshades provide an easy method to effectively identify tropical soda apple. Exclusion procedures, early detection, and rapid response with effective control methods are essential in preventing additional spread of tropical soda apple.

Technical Abstract: Tropical soda apple (Solanum viarum Dunal), a perennial shrub, is a Federal Noxious Weed that continues to spread at an alarming rate in the southeastern United States. Information is provided on the impact of tropical soda apple on agricultural and natural areas, federal regulations for restricted movement of live plants and propagules. The most recent discoveries and results from research on tropical soda apple biology, ecology, distribution, and chemical and mechanical control methods are provided. To aid in effective identification of tropical soda apple, morphological comparisons are made with two other prickly nightshade species, horsenettle (Solanum carolinense L.) and sticky nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam.). Prevention of additional of tropical soda apple spread is dependent on exclusion procedures, early detection, and rapid response with effective control methods.