Tomato – Potato Relationship: Recently, researchers discovered something unexpected: the tomato is the mother of the potato. Nearly 9 million years ago, a tomato plant and a plant that resembled a potato naturally crossed to produce potatoes, according to recent research. Apart from producing the potato, this genetic combination has produced the tuber, a new organ.

Relationship Between Tomato – Potato:

This study has been under the control of the scientists of Lanzhou University and China’s Agricultural Genomics Institute. Also, the teams from Canada and the UK helped in this study. Their research was published in the journal Cell. They contend that the current potato is a cross between the ancient plants Etuberosum (the father) and tomato (the mother). It’s interesting to note that their hybrid progeny produced tubers even though neither parent did.

The scientists examined 349 samples and more than 100 genomes from farmed and wild potatoes to verify this. They discovered distinct and well-balanced genetic traces from both parent plants as a result. They also found that both sides contributed important genes that produce tubers. For instance, the IT1 gene, which aids in the growth of underground stems, originated in Etuberosum, but the SP6A gene, which initiates tuber formation, originated in tomatoes.

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Also, the genetic combination that is there for potatoes is to thrive in harsh environmental conditions. Because of the tuber’s ability to retain water and nutrients, potatoes can be resilient in cold and drought conditions. Additionally, potatoes don’t necessarily require seeds or pollination to reproduce because new plants can develop straight from tubers.

The third-largest staple food in the world was produced by this ancient plant marriage. Millions of people worldwide are fed by the humble yet potent potato, which we now have thanks to the tomato.

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