It sounds like something from a science fiction film or perhaps as early discovery of hybrid motorcycles, but a plant which produces both potatoes and tomatoes has been launched in the UK. The Horticultural mail order company, Thompson & Morgan developed a unique plant called TomTato which is an abbreviation of the tomatoes and potatoes.
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| The TomTato consists of the top of a cherry tomato plant and the bottom of a white potato plant, that have been grafted together at the stem. (Picture from: http://www.gizmag.com/) |
As reported by Gizmag, the hybrid plants are not a product of genetic engineering, but are each
individually hand-grafted. Like potatoes, tomatoes are members of the
nightshade family (Solanaceae), which makes them compatible for
grafting.
Horticultural director of Thompson & Morgan, Paul Hansord said, that tomatoes are produced from these trees are sweeter than other tomatoes. TomTato could produce more than 500 sweet cherry tomatoes with slightly pungent flavor and 2 kg (4.4 lb) of potatoes in one season.
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| One TomTato plant can reportedly produce up to 500 tomatoes and 2 kg (4.4 lb) of potatoes in one season. (Picture from: http://www.gizmag.com/) |
However, the age of the plant is only one season. According Hansord, TomTato has been tested for several years. "The final result is far superior than I expected, full cluster tomatoes that taste defeat tomatoes in supermarkets, as well as the many potato crops," he said.
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