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]