Decoding sweet potato DNA: New research reveals surprising ancestry

Decoding sweet potato DNA: New research reveals surprising ancestry

The sweet potato feeds millions worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where its natural resilience to climate extremes makes it crucial for food security. But this humble root vegetable has guarded its genetic secrets for decades. Now, scientists have finally decoded its complex genome, revealing an intricate origin story and providing powerful tools to help improve this vital crop.

Decoding Sweet Potato DNA: New Research Reveals Surprising Ancestry

ITHACA, N.Y. — The sweet potato feeds millions worldwide, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where its natural resilience to climate extremes makes it crucial for food security. But this humble root vegetable has guarded its genetic secrets for decades. Now, scientists have finally decoded its complex genome, revealing an intricate origin story and providing powerful tools to help improve this vital crop. Sweet potato DNA is extraordinarily compl…