Core Insights - The research reveals that the potato originated from an ancient hybridization event between the tomato group and the wild potato group approximately 9 million years ago, leading to the creation of the unique tuber organ [1][12] - This study provides a new theoretical perspective for potato genetic breeding and highlights the role of hybridization in species formation [12] Group 1: Potato's Origin - Potatoes are a crucial crop, originally from South America, providing staple food for 1.3 billion people globally due to their high nutritional value and adaptability [2] - The potato group, tomato group, and wild potato group are sister taxa, with molecular evolution analysis indicating a closer relationship between potatoes and tomatoes than previously thought [2][5] - The study confirms that potatoes are a hybrid species resulting from the crossbreeding of wild potatoes and tomatoes, with tomatoes as the maternal parent and wild potatoes as the paternal parent [5][12] Group 2: Genetic Mechanisms - The formation of the potato tuber is attributed to genomic recombination, where the hybridization of ancestral species led to the creation of this unique organ [7][10] - Key genes involved in tuber formation were identified, with the main regulatory gene SP6A derived from the tomato group and the gene IT1 from the wild potato group [10] - The discovery of two additional tuber-related genes, DRN and CLF, further elucidates the genetic basis for tuber development [10] Group 3: Evolutionary Impact - The hybridization event not only created the tuber but also enriched the genetic diversity within the potato group, with about 24% of the genetic components showing a mosaic pattern from different parental alleles [10][12] - This genetic diversity allows potatoes to adapt to various environmental conditions, enhancing their survival and reproductive capabilities [10] - The tuber provides a significant survival advantage, enabling potatoes to store water and starch, and allowing for asexual reproduction through tuber sprouting [10][12]

Core Viewpoint - The recent research published in Cell reveals that the potato is a hybrid product of ancient crossbreeding between tomatoes and a wild relative, which has significantly contributed to its unique tuber formation and ecological success [2][3][4]. Group 1: Research Findings - The study, led by Academician Huang Sanwen from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, indicates that the potato lineage originated from an unexpected combination of tomato and a close relative about 8-9 million years ago [3][4]. - The research systematically uncovers the hybrid origin of the potato species, its tuber formation, and subsequent diversification, providing new theoretical insights into species formation mechanisms and genetic breeding [5][8]. - The analysis of 128 genomes revealed that the potato lineage is a "hybrid offspring," with the hybridization event coinciding with the dramatic uplift of the Andes mountains, paving the way for its evolution [8][10]. Group 2: Genetic Mechanisms - The formation of potato tubers is attributed to the complementary inheritance of genes from both parent species: the "light signal gene" SP6A from tomatoes triggers the swelling of underground stolons, while the "regulatory gene" IT1 from the close relative ensures tubers form in the correct location [10][11]. - The research demonstrates that the combination of these genes is unique to hybrids, suggesting a natural selection process that tailored the potato's genetic toolkit for survival [13][14]. Group 3: Evolutionary Advantages - The hybrid potato gained three significant advantages: 1. Asexual reproduction insurance through tubers allows survival in harsh Andean conditions [15]. 2. An explosion of genetic diversity due to hybridization led to the emergence of 107 wild potato species, with about 40% of genes showing parent-specific differentiation [15]. 3. Ecological niche expansion enabled potatoes to thrive in diverse environments, with cold tolerance genes closely resembling those of the close relative [15]. Group 4: Implications for Breeding and Evolution - The study challenges traditional views by demonstrating that hybridization is a key driver of innovation, directly creating new traits like tubers and facilitating evolutionary radiation [16]. - Insights into the genetic origins of tubers can inform the design of cold-resistant, high-yield potato varieties, potentially leading to the cultivation of "super potatoes" through simulated ancient hybridization [17]. - The research serves as a living textbook for evolution, illustrating that hybridization is not random but a strategic response to geological upheavals, acting as a shortcut for survival [18].