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Study Confirms Potato Emerged From 9-Million-Year-Old Tomato Hybrid
SOUTH AMERICA, JUL 31 – Researchers found modern potatoes originated from a natural hybrid between wild tomatoes and potato-like plants about 9 million years ago, with 60% genetic contribution from potato relatives.
- On July 31, researchers from multiple countries reported that the modern potato originated from a natural hybridization event between tomato relatives and a tuber-forming species native to the region now known as South America, occurring approximately nine million years in the past.
- This hybridization event took place after tomatoes and Etuberosum species split from their shared lineage around 14 million years ago and occurred alongside the rapid formation of the Andes mountains, which created new ecological niches.
- The team examined the genetic data of hundreds of domesticated potato varieties along with several dozen wild species and discovered that all potatoes maintain a consistent genetic blend, with about three-fifths originating from Etuberosum and the remainder from tomato ancestors.
- Sanwen Huang explained that their research reveals how interbreeding between different species can trigger the development of novel characteristics, leading to the emergence of additional species. He also noted that the ability of potatoes to form tubers enabled them to thrive in challenging mountain environments.
- The discovery resolves the long-standing mystery of potato origins and suggests that understanding this hybrid nature can help breed more robust potato varieties adaptable to diverse and challenging conditions.
79 Articles
79 Articles
Modern potatoes originated from an unexpected cross between two ancient plant species, a recent genetic study suggests. A hybridization between the tomato and another South American groundnut about 8 to 9 million years ago gave rise to the tuber, which in turn helped the potato spread and diversify.
ledauphine.com
lalsace.frScientists have discovered that modern potatoes come from two ancestral species, including tomato.
Surprising Study Finds Potatoes Evolved From Tomato Ancestor
You say potato, I say tomato? Turns out one helped create the other: Natural interbreeding between wild tomatoes and potato-like plants in South America gave rise to the modern day spud around nine million years ago, according to a new study published Thursday in the journal Cell.
Scientists have discovered that the genetic heritage of modern potatoes comes from two ancestral species, including tomato.
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