Unveiling the Ancient Hybrid Legacy of the Potato

A groundbreaking study has traced the potato's complex evolutionary roots to an ancient hybridization event between a wild tomato and a potato-like species in South America. Occurring approximately 9 million years ago, this genetic fusion paved the way for the formation of the tuber, crucial for survival in the cold Andes.

The research delved into 450 cultivated potato genomes and 56 wild species, revealing how this pivotal hybridization allowed potatoes to flourish in harsh mountainous regions. Essential genes for tuber formation were identified, shedding light on the potato's capacity for adaptation, according to scientists at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.

The findings offer insights for modern potato breeding, aiming to combat environmental stress caused by climate change. With potatoes ranking as a major global food staple, this study opens avenues for creating crops that combine traits from both potato and tomato plants.

(With inputs from agencies.)