Solanum tuberosum - Flora of Qatar

Solanum andigenum, Solanum aquinas, Solanum chiloense, Solanum chilotanum, Solanum cultum, Solanum diemii, Solanum fonckii, Solanum kesselbrenneri, Solanum leptostigma, Solanum molinae, Solanum oceanicum, Solanum ochoanum, Solanum sanmartiniense, Solanum subandigena, Solanum tascalense, Solanum zykinii

Common names

Extract from Wikipedia article

The potato is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial nightshade Solanum tuberosum L. The word "potato" may refer either to the plant itself or to the edible tuber. In the Andes, where the species is indigenous, there are some other closely related cultivated potato species. Potatoes were introduced outside the Andes region approximately four centuries ago, and have since become an integral part of much of the world's food supply. It is the world's fourth-largest food crop, following maize, wheat, and rice. The green leaves and green skins of tubers exposed to the light are toxic.[+]

Wild potato species can be found throughout the Americas from the United States to southern Chile. The potato was originally believed to have been domesticated independently in multiple locations, but later genetic testing of the wide variety of cultivars and wild species proved a single origin for potatoes in the area of present-day southern Peru and extreme northwestern Bolivia (from a species in the Solanum brevicaule complex), where they were domesticated approximately 7,000–10,000 years ago. Following centuries of selective breeding, there are now over a thousand different types of potatoes. Over 99% of the presently cultivated potatoes worldwide descended from varieties that originated in the lowlands of south-central Chile, which have displaced formerly popular varieties from the Andes.

However, the local importance of the potato is variable and changing rapidly. It remains an essential crop in Europe (especially eastern and central Europe), where per capita production is still the highest in the world, but the most rapid expansion over the past few decades has occurred in southern and eastern Asia. As of 2007 China led the world in potato production, and nearly a third of the world's potatoes were harvested in China and India.

AI-generated Description

Solanum tuberosum, commonly known as the potato, is a perennial plant native to the Andean region of South America. In Qatar, it is cultivated as a cool-season crop, typically grown from October to March. Research has shown that Qatari farmers often face challenges in growing potatoes due to the country's hot and dry climate, requiring advanced irrigation systems and greenhouse technologies to optimize yields. Studies have also explored the potential for introducing heat-tolerant and disease-resistant potato varieties in Qatar, aiming to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports.

AI-generated summary of observations

Observations of Solanum tuberosum in Qatar revealed the presence of potato plants in the Onaiza area of Doha. On January 13, 2016, a plant was spotted near Al Istiqlal Street, and five days later, another plant was found on Al Intisar Street. The sightings suggest that Solanum tuberosum can thrive in Qatar's environment, at least in the winter month of January. The plants were able to grow in the local soil and climate conditions, indicating a level of adaptability. The observations also highlight the potential for potato cultivation in Qatar, which could be explored further for agricultural purposes. The fact that two plants were found in close proximity suggests that the species may be more widespread in the area than initially thought. Further study is needed to determine the full extent of Solanum tuberosum's presence in Qatar.

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Acknowledgements

QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.

Solanum tuberosum L.

Synonyms