Solanum demissum facts for kids

Solanum demissum is a type of wild potato plant. It belongs to the same plant family as tomatoes and eggplants. This special potato grows naturally in Mexico and Guatemala. Scientists are very interested in Solanum demissum because it helps make our regular potatoes stronger.

What is Solanum demissum?

This plant is a close relative of the potato you eat every day. The potato we usually eat is called Solanum tuberosum. Solanum demissum is a wild potato. This means it grows naturally in its original home. It has not been changed much by people.

Where does this wild potato grow?

Solanum demissum is native to two countries in North America. It grows naturally in Mexico and Guatemala. These areas have the right climate for this plant to thrive.

Why is Solanum demissum important?

This wild potato is very important for farmers and scientists. It has special natural defenses. These defenses help it fight off a serious plant disease. This disease is called late potato blight.

Fighting late potato blight

Late potato blight is caused by a tiny organism called Phytophthora infestans. This organism can quickly destroy potato crops. It makes the leaves and stems of potato plants turn brown and rot. This can lead to huge losses for farmers.

Solanum demissum has special genes. These genes help it resist the blight. Scientists use these genes to make our regular potatoes stronger. They do this by breeding Solanum demissum with Solanum tuberosum. This process helps create new types of potatoes. These new potatoes can then fight off the blight better. This means more food for everyone.

See also

• In Spanish: Solanum demissum para niños