Release ways of α-solanine in Solanum melomgena L. plant

α-solanine release ways, root exudation, remnant decomposition, rainwater elution and seed germination, in eggplants were simulated and the released content determined via HPLC. Results show the α-solanine in eggplants can be released through root exudation, remnant decomposition and seed germination. Remnant decomposition and seed germination are the main paths for releasing α-solanine. Only a small fraction of α-solanine is released through root exudation. Rainwater elution hardly enhances eggplant releasing α-solanine into the environment. α-Solanine content released through root exudation is different in different eggplant growth stages. From seedling alabastrum to maturity stage of third eggplant is the main period of α-solanine release through root exudation. α-Solanine content in soils around eggplant roots significantly increase from the first to the second fruit stage. The order of released α-solanine amount from different organs of remnant body is leaf>root>stem. With the time of remnant decomposition, α-solanine content in soils significantly increases. The amount of α-solanine released via seed germination is closely related to seed germination. Hence α-Solanine inhibits eggplant seed germination. The results also show that α-solanine amount released by “Liaoqie No. 7” and “Chaojiuyeqie” (purple eggplants) is higher than that released by “Tongza No. 2” and “Xi’anluqie” (green eggplant).