Core Insights - The research conducted by the team led by Academician Huang Sanwen reveals the hybrid origin of the potato group, the formation of tubers, and their radiation differentiation, providing a new theoretical perspective for potato genetic breeding [1][2] Group 1: Research Findings - The potato group 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 study analyzed high-quality genomic data from 101 potato group samples, 15 tomato group samples, 9 solanum group samples, and 19 other nightshade species, with most genomic data being reused [2] - The genetic contribution from tomatoes and solanum to all potato individuals was found to be in a stable balance, with a ratio of approximately 4:6 [2] Group 2: Evolutionary Insights - The divergence between solanum and tomatoes began around 14 million years ago, with hybridization occurring approximately 5 million years later, leading to the earliest potato plants with tubers around 9 million years ago [2] - The study concludes that potatoes are a hybrid species resulting from the crossbreeding of solanum and tomatoes, with tomatoes serving as the maternal parent and solanum as the paternal parent [2]

Core Insights - The research reveals that potatoes originated from an ancient hybridization event between the tomato group and the wild potato group approximately 9 million years ago, resulting in the unique tuber organ of potatoes [1] - The genetic contribution of the two parent species to potatoes is approximately 40% from the tomato group and 60% from the wild potato group [1] - The formation of tubers is attributed to the recombination and interactive regulation of alleles from the potato's ancestors, with key genes such as SP6A from the tomato group and IT1 from the wild potato group playing significant roles [1] Agricultural Significance - The tuber formation provides potatoes with survival advantages, including the ability to store water and starch, which helps them endure drought and cold seasons [1] - Potatoes can reproduce without seeds or pollination, as new plants can sprout directly from the buds on the tubers [1] - Potatoes are a crucial crop, with over 1.3 billion people globally relying on them as a staple food [1] Research Implications - The findings from Chinese scientists are expected to offer a new theoretical perspective for potato genetic breeding [1]