A genetic investigation has finally tracked down the source of the pathogen that caused the Irish potato famine, closing a case that has been up in the air for years. Researchers nailed down the Andes Mountains in South America as the birthplace of Phytophthora infestans, otherwise known as potato blight or late blight.
The pathogen, taking the form of a fungus-like microorganism (oomycete/water mold), has devastated potato and tomato plants throughout history. A new study published in the journal PLOS One settled the debate on the spread of P. infestans, delivering insight on its progression throughout the centuries.
