The humble potato has long been a staple in our diets, but its origins remain shrouded in mystery. Until now, scientists have been unsure which plant group the potato is most closely related to – tomatoes or the Etuberosum cluster of three species. But a recent study has shed light on the genetic history of the potato, revealing an ancient interbreeding event that gave rise to this starchy vegetable.
The researchers found that potatoes have a balanced mix of genes from both tomatoes and Etuberosum, suggesting that long ago, ancestors of these two groups hybridized to create a new kind of plant capable of producing tubers. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the potato’s evolution and its potential to be bred with seeds to withstand challenges such as disease and climate change.
The study suggests that this interbreeding event occurred around 9 million years ago, when the Andes were forming and high-elevation habitats were emerging. Tomatoes would have struggled to survive in these conditions, but the potato’s ability to produce tubers allowed it to thrive. The researchers believe that this unique trait enabled the potato to exploit the alpine habitat, paving the way for its successful domestication around 6,700 years ago.
The findings also have practical applications. Traditional farming methods involve using small chunks of potato to create new plants, which are genetically identical to other potatoes and thus vulnerable to diseases. However, this study could pave the way for genetic engineering to improve the potato, allowing it to produce reliable seeds that can be used to breed resistant varieties.
The origin of potatoes is a fascinating story of how two seemingly incompatible groups came together to create something entirely new and extraordinary. This discovery highlights the power of hybridization in evolution, which can generate variability and lead to diversification and adaptation in response to changing environments.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/08/13/nx-s1-5494517/strange-but-true-potato-origin-story-tomato-tuber