Archive · 5 Aug 2025
Potatoes Evolved from Tomatoes: New Study Reveals Origin
Scientists have discovered the potato's surprising origin!
About 9 million years ago in South America, a wild tomato and a potato-like plant combined.
The tomato gave a special gene to create tubers, and the other plant helped to develop them.
This fusion allowed potatoes to store food and spread.
Plus, potatoes can grow new plants directly from tubers, making them tough and adaptable.
Research reveals that potatoes evolved from tomatoes through a natural hybridization event.
This genetic fusion occurred approximately 9 million years ago in South America.
The hybridization involved a wild tomato and a potato-like plant called Etuberosum.
The tomato contributed the SP6A gene, crucial for tuber formation.
The potato's ability to reproduce without seeds contributed to its resilience and spread.
- Who
- The research involved genome analysis of various potato and wild species.
- What
- Potatoes originated from a hybridization event between a wild tomato and a potato-like plant.
- When
- The hybridization happened around 9 million years ago.
- Where
- The event took place in South America during the formation of the Andes mountains.
- Why
- The hybridization enabled the formation of tubers, allowing potatoes to adapt, survive, and thrive in various environments.
- Key Discovery
- Potato evolved from tomatoes
- Time of Event
- 9 million years ago
- Location
- South America
- Involved Plants
- Wild tomato, Etuberosum
- Key Gene from Tomato
- SP6A (tuber formation)
- Unique Ability
- Reproduce without seeds
