IE 116 1st Edition Lecture 7Outline of Last Lecture I. Theories of Agriculture originsII. Theories of why Agriculture spreadOutline of Current Lecture I. Potato numbersII. Potato Biologya. Familyb. Functionc. ReproductionIII. Potato in origins and in cultureIV. Potatoes in EuropeCurrent LectureI. Potato Numbers- 245,000,000 Million Metric Tons were produced in 2012 in the top ten countries.o China is #1 in production with 86 MMT. Europe is close second.o Europe and America are largest consumers. Belarus #1.o Mostly used in Europe for Potato Vodka.- US potato consumption per person: 116 lbs.o Colorado is 4th leading producerII. Potato Biologya) Family- The potato is the member of the Nightshade family.o Most members are poisonous.o Some are edible: Tomatoes, Chili Peppers, Eggplants, and Potatoes.- The poisonous parts are Secondary Metabolites containing : Solanineo There is Solanine in ALL, but concentrated in separate areas.o This is why we don’t eat potato fruit.- The TomTato is a grafted tree that bears perfect cherry tomatoes and white potatoes.- The potato is a STEM!!! Called tubers.b) Function of tubers- Nutrient Storage- Asexual reproduction if necessaryc) Reproduction- Can be done sexually: With Seeds- Can be done asexually: With Tuberso Mainly propagated through the eyes on Tubers as cloneso Produces weird fruit, highly toxic.III. Origins and culture- Found originally in the Andes Mountains of Peru. - Genetic diversity is very importanto Pro: disease resistance, increase land utilization, higher chance of new variety.o Con: Loss of synchrony of germination, flowering, and harvesting at the same time.IV. Potatoes in Europe- Hated in Europe until late 1700s becauseo From deadly familyo Lumpy = Leprosyo Not mentioned in the bibleo From the “Americas”- Advantages to the Potatoo High yield ( Entire family can survive on one acre of production)o Highly nutritious (complete with butter or milk)o Cheap to produceo Stores well (Not as well as wheat)o Resisted destruction during conflict (couldn’t be burned down)- Started replacing grain in Irelando The LUMPER A monoculture catastrophe High Yield, Little disease resistance- Little resistance to LATE BLIGHT.o Very quickly destroyed all the potatoes in Ireland overnight,o Introduced in 1844, spread in
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