Importance of the_potato
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Why the Potato Matters By: Maria Felicia Arnal IE-MGEC 02/01/2011
Transcript of Importance of the_potato
Why the Potato Matters
By: Maria Felicia ArnalIE-MGEC
02/01/2011
Scientific Name:
Solanum Tuberosum
Wikipedia
A perennial plant that lives
more than two years
Linnaeus Symbol = Wikipedia
• Belongs to the Solanaceae or nightshade family
• Family includes: Tomato, Eggplant, Mandrake, Daimson Weed, Capsicum (chile)
Origins
Bolivia
Peru
Domesticated~ 10,000 yrs BP
First Cultivation: Lake Titicaca
Allowed for the consolidation of Huari and Tiwanaku civilization.
Staple food of the Inca’s
Easily adapted to different environments
FAO 2008
Survive in ground unaffected by frost
FAO 2008
Resistant to diurnal temperature changes
Wide range of variety
High nutritional value
(Per 100 g, after boiling in skin and peeling before consumption) Source: United States Department of Agriculture, National Nutrient Database
Introduced in Europe: late 16th century
20th Century in Europe
Rutgers University
Irish Potato Famine late 19th century
Lessons Learned?
Andean culture ~ 5000 potato varieties
Not dependent on one harvest
Ireland Population Trends
Wikipedia
Current Potato Production
Preserving biodiversity
