Potato Origins: From Tomato to Tuber in the Andes – New Study

A new study published by Reuters reveals that the potato, a staple food worldwide, originated from a natural cross between a wild tomato plant and a potato-like species approximately 9 million years ago in the Andes.

This hybridization led to the development of the tuber, a nutrient-storing structure, and allowed the potato to survive in the cold Andean climate. Researchers identified two genes responsible for tuber formation.

Sanwen Huang, a genome biologist, emphasized the versatility and nutritional value of the potato, which contains vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Sandra Knapp, a botanist, noted that the tuber allowed the potato to adapt and thrive in harsh mountain conditions.

The study's findings can help improve cultivated potatoes to address environmental challenges, such as climate change, according to Reuters.