Nightshade (IMAGE) American Society of Agronomy Caption Divine nightshade in foreground with sugarcane in background. Weeds steal nutrients and sunlight from crops - and nightshade can reduce sucrose yields in sugarcane by up to 43%. Researchers are looking at ways to control this weed through heat treatment. Credit Doug Spaunhorst Usage Restrictions Use with story only. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.