News Plants

Potatoes have their roots in ancient tomatoes

Potatoes originated 9 million years ago, likely from one instance of hybridization

A bin divided diagonally in half shows tomatoes in one section and potatoes in another.

Potatoes came from a cross between an ancient species of tomato and a tuberless potato-like plant, a new genetic study shows.

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By Javier Barbuzano

Read another version of this article at Science News Explores

The potato came from a surprising mashup.

Spuds are a basic, delicious food for millions worldwide, yet their origin and evolution have long been a scientific mystery.