Question

Do an online search (try to find a credible website/source if you can) for Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica. Which species do you think will be the most toxic? Justify your answer and specify the source (copy and paste the link under your answer). (4 marks Maximum 100 Words) 3.

Answer 1

3. Nicotiana rustica is very toxic compared to Nicotiana tabacum. The evidence got from two databases which explains each plant species

The leaves of Nicotiana plants produce leaf wax toxins on their surface in high concentrations to inhibit blue mould and fungal infections, and N. tabacum has also been studied for its production of phytoalexins as a major defense mechanism in response to microbial infections

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/36326

All parts of the plant contain nicotine which is a strong narcotic]. The leaves are antispasmodic, cathartic, emetic, narcotic and sedative. They are used externally as a poultice and a wash in the treatment of rheumatic swelling, skin diseases and scorpion stings.

All parts of the plant contain nicotine, this has been extracted and used as an insecticide. The dried leaves can also be used, they remain effective for 6 months after drying.The leaves have also been dried and then chewed as a stimulant or made into snuff for sniffing, or smoked. This species is more potent than N. tabacum (the species normally cultivated for cigarettes).

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Nicotiana+rustica