Potatoes linked to ancient tomatoes in new research

A new study reveals the surprising ancestry of potatoes linked to tomatoes.

Potatoes trace their roots to ancient tomatoes

Researchers have uncovered a fascinating connection between potatoes and tomatoes, revealing that modern potatoes evolved from a tomato ancestor approximately 9 million years ago. This discovery is detailed in a recent study published in the journal Cell. Sanwen Huang from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences comments that the mix of genetics from the ancient tomato and a Chilean species called Etuberosum was crucial in developing the potato’s starch-rich tubers. The study analyzed 450 genomes from cultivated potatoes and 56 wild potato species, presenting the first comprehensive genomic dataset of wild potatoes.

This groundbreaking study not only redefines our understanding of plant evolution but also highlights the role of hybridization in the development of new traits. By connecting two seemingly different plants, researchers illustrate the dynamic nature of genetic exchange and evolution. The findings challenge traditional views on ancestry and may open new avenues for agricultural research and crop improvement. As hybrid plants continue to emerge, the implications for biodiversity and food security become increasingly significant.

Highlights

This discovery sheds light on the complexity of plant evolution and highlights the importance of genetic research.