New Research Pins Origin of Irish Potato Famine Pathogen to Andes

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A groundbreaking study has concluded that the pathogen responsible for the Irish Potato Famine, Phytophthora infestans, originated in the Andes region of South America rather than Mexico. This finding is based on one of the largest genomic analyses of the microbe and its close relatives, shedding light on a long-standing debate among scientists.

Co-author Prof. Jean Ristaino of North Carolina State University stated that the evidence increasingly favors the Andes, as historical accounts suggest the disease was known among indigenous Andean potato growers before its outbreak in Europe in 1845. The research published in the journal Plos One shows that modern populations of the pathogen have complex genetic relationships, suggesting significant intermingling between strains from South America, Mexico, and Europe.

Despite the historical context, potato blight remains a global agricultural threat, particularly with the emergence of fungicide-resistant strains in Europe. Ristaino emphasized the importance of identifying the origin of the pathogen, as it could lead to enhanced breeding efforts for disease resistance in potatoes. He noted that understanding the pathogen's origins could provide vital insights for crop protection strategies, particularly in developing regions affected by the disease.

Further research is necessary, especially to explore potential sexual reproduction of the pathogen in South America, which would indicate greater genetic diversity.

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