New Research Pins Origin of Irish Potato Famine Pathogen to Andes

A recent study has concluded that the pathogen responsible for the devastating potato blight during the Irish famine, known as Phytophthora infestans, likely originated in the Andes region of South America. This finding, emerging from one of the largest whole genome analyses of the microbe, settles a long-standing debate among scientists who have argued over whether the pathogen originated in the Andes or Mexico. Lead researcher, Professor Jean Ristaino from North Carolina State University, stated that the genetic evidence strongly supports a South American origin. Historical records from the 1840s also indicate that the disease was known to indigenous Andean potato farmers prior to its emergence in Europe and the US. The study, published in the journal Plos One, reveals that modern populations of the pathogen in Mexico are more recent than those from the Andes. This contradicts the notion that Mexico is the center of origin for the disease. Understanding the pathogen's origin is crucial as it can lead to identifying resistance sources, which is essential for effectively managing the blight. Potato blight continues to threaten crops worldwide, with strains now resistant to common fungicides. Researchers recommend focusing breeding efforts on potatoes originating from the Andes to develop long-term solutions that may involve gene editing. Dr. David Cooke, a potato blight expert not involved in the research, reiterated the need for further studies in South America to better understand the diversity of the pathogen's populations.

A recent study has settled a long-standing debate regarding the origins of Phytophthora infestans, the pathogen responsible for the devastating Irish Famine in the mid-19th century. Researchers from North Carolina State University conducted an extensive analysis of microbe genomes, concluding that the pathogen likely originated in the Andes region of South America rather than Mexico. This research, described as one of the largest whole genome studies of the microbe, utilized data comparing samples from both regions. The findings indicated that while modern populations of the blight have a mixed ancestry, the most ancient strains stem from the Andes. Co-author Professor Jean Ristaino emphasized the importance of this discovery, stating, “When you know the centre of origin of a pathogen, that’s where you’re going to find resistance to it.” Although the study provides significant evidence in favor of the Andes as the origin, the research acknowledges that the debate is not entirely closed. Some experts call for further investigation, particularly the discovery of sexual reproduction in South American populations, which would support the higher genetic diversity expected from a center of origin. Potato blight remains a global agricultural concern, with resistant strains being reported in Europe and other regions. Ristaino suggests that future efforts in crop breeding and gene editing may help in developing long-term solutions to combat this persistent threat.

A 34-year-old American passenger, Zachary Greear, was sentenced to two months suspended prison time after his intoxicated behavior forced a United Airlines flight to divert to Dublin. Greear combined the tranquilizer Xanax with alcohol to manage his anxiety, resulting in unruly conduct during the flight from Amsterdam to New York. The Dublin district court learned that Greear, who pleaded guilty to three offenses under Ireland’s Air Navigation and Transport Act, exhibited alarming behavior, including urinating in his seat and the aisle. The incident occurred two hours into the flight, prompting the pilot to divert to Dublin and dump approximately €30,000 worth of fuel. Justice Finan described Greear's actions as "appalling" but acknowledged his sincere apology and willingness to pay €10,000 in damages. The judge emphasized the disruption caused to the flight crew and passengers. Greear, who has no prior convictions, expressed embarrassment over his actions and offered to cover additional costs related to the diversion. He will need to return to court with a revised payment plan after the judge found his initial offer inadequate.