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Study: Potato Evolved from Ancient Tomato Hybrid 9 Million Years Ago

#Science & technology

story

5 days ago

Above: An agroecology technician checks potato crops in a greenhouse in Mucuchies, Venezuela. Image copyright: MIGUEL ZAMBRANO/AFP/Getty Images

story last updated 5 days ago

The Spin

Narrative A

This groundbreaking discovery revolutionizes our understanding of plant evolution and opens exciting possibilities for future agriculture. The ancient hybridization that created potatoes demonstrates how genetic mixing can produce entirely new traits that neither parent possessed. Scientists can now use this knowledge to develop innovative crops that combine the best features of different plants, potentially creating tomato plants that grow edible tubers underground while producing fruit above ground.

Gizmodo

Narrative B

While the research provides fascinating insights into potato origins, the practical applications remain largely theoretical and experimental. The hybridization event occurred millions of years ago under specific environmental conditions that cannot be easily replicated today. Current potato breeding already faces significant challenges due to the plant's complex four-copy genome, and adding artificial hybridization techniques may introduce additional complications without guaranteed benefits for farmers or food security.

Atlantic