Remarkable genetic similarity uncovered between two US-grown plants, nearly 300 years old, that have dominated the global scene

Remarkable genetic similarity uncovered between two US-grown plants, nearly 300 years old, that have dominated the global scene

In the distant reaches of the Andes region, approximately 9 million years ago, a remarkable event took place that would have far-reaching consequences for human civilization. An ancient tomato plant and a wild potato-like species underwent a natural hybridization, giving rise to the potato as we know it today [1][2][3]. This genetic mixing combined key genes from tomatoes and the potato lineage, enabling the formation of tubers, the edible underground storage organs unique to potatoes.

This evolutionary event created entirely new traits—especially tuber formation—which gave potatoes a survival advantage in harsh environments and allowed them to diversify into many species that humans could cultivate [2]. Over thousands of years, indigenous peoples in South America domesticated potatoes, selecting varieties for yield and resilience. When introduced to Europe and the rest of the world after the Columbian exchange, potatoes quickly became a staple food due to their nutritional value, high yields, and ability to grow in diverse climates and soils.

Today, the potato feeds over 1 billion people worldwide and has significantly influenced global history by contributing to population growth, agricultural development, and food security. Its resilience and productivity helped sustain large populations in Europe and elsewhere, shaping economies and societies [1][3].

The potato's nutritional profile is impressive. A 170-gram potato contains four grams of protein with all essential amino acids, and it provides 135 kilocalories and half the recommended daily dose of vitamin C [1]. The Spanish brought the potato to Europe around 1570, and it soon became the main energy source for the powerful Inca Empire and later for the Spanish conquistadors.

In more recent times, research has shed light on the potato's origins. An international team of scientists, including Colombian scientist Susy Echeverría, who dedicated her PhD at the Imperial College of London to understanding the diversity and success of the potato and tomato family, has discovered that the potato originated around nine million years ago from a natural cross in South America between a tomato plant and a Solanum etuberosum [4]. The potato plant is still more similar to that of Solanum etuberosum, but genetic analyzes reveal that it is closer to the tomato [5].

This intriguing finding was further explored by Spanish Biologist Salomé Prat, who led a team that discovered the genetic switch that tells the potato plant when to produce tubers according to light hours in 2011 [6]. More recently, Chinese institutions have collaborated on a new study published in the journal Cell, aiming to improve the potato's quality, particularly increasing protein content [7]. Chinese researchers have even created hybrid plants of potato and tomato [8].

The potato's impact on world history is undeniable. American historian William McNeill argues that the potato has significantly influenced world history, allowing European nations to dominate much of the world between 1750 and 1950 [9]. This is due in part to the potato's high yields and ability to grow in diverse climates and soils, making it an ideal food source for large populations.

In conclusion, the potato's origins as a tomato hybrid set the foundation for the development of an essential global crop that continues to impact human civilization. Its nutritional value, resilience, and productivity have made it a staple food for billions of people worldwide, shaping societies and economies across the globe.

References:

1. BBC News
2. National Geographic
3. The Conversation
4. Nature
5. Science Daily
6. New Scientist
7. Cell
8. Genetic Modification
9. The Atlantic
10. The discovery of the potato's origin as a natural hybrid between a tomato plant and a Solanum etuberosum has significant implications for the field of environmental science, shedding light on the genetic basis of one of the world's most important foods.
11. As technology advances, research organizations are exploring new methods to enhance the potato's quality, such as increasing its protein content, which could have extensive implications for the food-and-drink industry and global nutrition.
12. The potato's origins and impact on human civilization are a testament to the power of science and the potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration, demonstrating how breakthroughs in environmental science can influence lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and technological advancements.

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