New Study Identifies Andes as the Origin of Potato Blight Linked to Irish Famine

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.

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 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.