Core Insights - The research conducted by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences reveals the hybrid origin of the potato group, tracing back to an ancient hybridization event between the tomato group and the Solanum tuberosum group approximately 9 million years ago, leading to the formation of tubers [1][6][9] Group 1: Research Findings - The potato is a staple food for 1.3 billion people globally and is a significant asexual reproduction crop, characterized by a highly heterozygous genome and self-incompatibility, complicating breeding efforts [2][3] - The research team analyzed high-quality genomic data from 101 potato group samples, 15 tomato group samples, and 9 Solanum-like samples, utilizing existing genomic data for their study [3][9] - The hybridization event that gave rise to the potato group involved the tomato as the maternal parent and the Solanum-like group as the paternal parent, resulting in the unique organ known as the tuber [6][7] Group 2: Genetic Insights - Key genes responsible for tuber formation were identified, with the identity gene IT1 originating from the Solanum-like group and the signaling factor SP6A from the tomato group, leading to a new regulatory network for tuber development [7][8] - The current potato group exhibits approximately 24% of genetic components randomly fixed from different parental alleles, creating a mosaic genetic pattern that enhances genetic diversity and adaptability to various environments [7][8] Group 3: Future Implications - The research aims to transform potatoes from a tuber-based asexual reproduction crop to a seed-based crop, significantly reducing planting costs and disease transmission risks, with only 2 grams of seeds needed per acre [9] - The study proposes using tomatoes as a synthetic biology platform to introduce key genes for tuber formation, potentially leading to a new "seed-type potato" that retains the reproductive advantages of tomatoes while preserving the nutritional value of potatoes [9][16]

Core Viewpoint - The research conducted by the team led by Huang Sanwen from the Shenzhen Agricultural Genomics Institute reveals the origin, diversity formation, and genetic mechanisms of potatoes, highlighting a significant breakthrough in the "Excellent Potato Project" aimed at transforming potato breeding methods from asexual reproduction to sexual reproduction [1]. Group 1: Research Findings - Potatoes originated from an ancient hybridization event between the tomato group and the Solanum group approximately 9 million years ago, resulting in the formation of tubers [1]. - The "Excellent Potato Project" aims to enhance breeding efficiency by shifting from traditional asexual reproduction, which requires 200 kilograms of seed potatoes per acre, to sexual reproduction that only requires 2 grams of seeds per acre [1].

Core Insights - The research reveals the hybrid origin of potatoes, tracing back to an ancient crossbreeding event between the tomato group and the solanum group approximately 9 million years ago, leading to the formation of tubers [1][3][7] - The study provides a new theoretical perspective for potato genetic breeding, highlighting the genetic contributions from both parent groups and the unique evolutionary advantages of potatoes [1][6][7] Group 1: Origin and Evolution - Potatoes are the third most important staple crop globally, originating from South America, and are known for their high nutritional value and adaptability [2] - The potato group, which includes cultivated potatoes and 107 wild species, is closely related to the tomato group and the solanum group, with molecular evolution analysis indicating a closer relationship between potatoes and tomatoes [2][3] - The hybridization event that led to the formation of potatoes involved a genetic contribution ratio of approximately 40% from tomatoes and 60% from solanum [3] Group 2: Genetic Mechanisms - The formation of tubers in potatoes is attributed to the recombination of alleles from both parent species, with key genes identified that control tuber formation and underground stem growth [4][5] - The main regulatory gene for tuber formation, SP6A, is derived from the tomato group, while the gene IT1, which regulates underground stem growth, comes from the solanum group [5] Group 3: Adaptation and Diversity - The genetic diversity within the potato group is characterized by a "mosaic" pattern, where approximately 24% of the genetic components are randomly fixed from different parent alleles, allowing for phenotypic variability [6] - The tuber formation provides potatoes with advantages for underground survival, enabling them to store water and starch, and allowing for asexual reproduction through tuber sprouts [6] - The unique genetic makeup and tuber formation have allowed potatoes to thrive in harsh environments, particularly during the uplift of the Andes, leading to rapid species diversification and strong hybrid vigor [6][7]