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The discovery of the real origins of the potato has long intrigued scientists. This tuber, omnipresent in kitchens around the world, hides a fascinating story. An international team of researchers recently pierced this mystery. Thanks to an in -depth analysis of genetic data, they revealed that the modern potato is the fruit of a natural crossing event that occurred about 9 million years ago. This event took place between tomato plants and a South American species similar to the potato, called Etuberosum. This discovery sheds light on a new day the evolution of the characteristics of plants.
An ancient hybridization revealed
Research has shown that modern potato has emerged thanks to an old crossing between tomatoes and plants resembling potatoes. This event caused the formation of tubers, underground structures that store nutrients. Although modern potato plants are very similar to Etuberosum plants, the latter do not have tubers, a fact that has long intrigued scientists. The analysis of a large set of genetic data, comprising 450 genomes of cultivated varieties and 56 of wild species, made it possible to resolve this mystery.
According to Zhiyang Zhang, the main study of the study, this database represents the most complete collection of genomic data from wild potatoes ever analyzed. The results show that each species of potato has a balanced mixture of genetic material from both etuberosum and tomato plants, thus confirming an old hybridization.
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Tuber trainer genes
Although etuberosum and tomatoes are distinct species, they share a common ancestor dating back to around 14 million years. Despite a divergence that occurred about 5 million years ago, they were able to cross, giving birth to the first potato plants with tubers about 9 million years ago. The analysis identified the genes responsible for the formation of tubers.
The SP6A gene, which operates as a “main switch” commanding the training of tubers, comes from the tomato parent. In parallel, the IT1 gene, which regulates the growth of the underground stems turning into tubers, comes from Etuberosum. Without these genetic components, hybrids could not produce tubers. This evolution coincides with the rapid and dramatic elevation of the Andes, creating new ecological environments conducive to the development of tubers.
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The evolutionary advantage of tubers
The tubers have offered a significant reproductive advantage to potato plants, allowing them to multiply without depending on seeds or pollination. New plants can easily germinate from buds on the tuber. According to Sanwen Huang, this capacity has enabled potatoes to thrive in various environments and contribute to the rich diversity that we observe today. This characteristic facilitated the rapid spread of potatoes through Central and South America.
The development of tubers offered potatoes an adaptive “superpower”. Their underground storage system made it possible to adapt quickly to changing environments and to withstand difficult climatic conditions. This capacity has favored an explosion of new species, thus enriching the biodiversity of potatoes.
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Implications et perspectives futures
Understanding the origin and evolution of potatoes has important implications for modern agriculture and food security. By identifying the key genes responsible for the formation of tubers, researchers hope to develop new varieties of potatoes more resistant to diseases and climate change. This type of research can also shed light on other studies on the evolution of plants and their adaptation to changing environments.
While this study gives new light on the past of potatoes, it also opens the way to new questions. How can these discoveries be applied to improve global food production and respond to the future challenges of agriculture?
This article is based on verified sources and the assistance of editorial technologies.
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