Cell outlines how scientists examined more than 450 genomes from cultivated potatoes alongside 56 genomes from wild potatoes. By studying these genomes, they found that over 9 million years ago, wild tomatoes interbred with another ancient species known as Etuberosum. The two species merged through a process called hybridization, effectively integrating their genetic frameworks to form a wholly new organism.
This research marks a significant advance in comprehending the origins of the potato and demonstrates the remarkable creativity of natural evolution in generating completely new species. Additionally, without the presence of two particular genes—one situated in tomatoes and the other in Etuberosum—the formation of tubers such as potatoes would be unimaginable.
