Solanum x rechei

Description

Solanum x rechei is a nothospecies (natural inter-species hybrid) from Argentina.  The parent species were most likely S. microdontum and S. kurtzianum (Clausen 1998).  It is a weedy species, common in a small area of Argentina where its parent species overlap in distribution.  S. x rechei is notable for being a South American species that will tuberize under long days, a relatively rare trait among the South American wild potatoes.

The specific epithet, rechei, honors Ecuadorian botanist Guillermo Reche, who collected and described this species.  While there is no completely standardized pronunciation for scientific names, the most common way to pronounce this species is probably so-LAY-num cross RAY-chay-eye.

Most populations of S. x rechei are diploid, but triploid populations also exist (Clausen 1998).

Jarvis (2008) predicts that this species will become extinct in the wild by 2055 due to climate change.

Resistances

Condition Type Level of Resistance Source
Phytophthora infestans (Late Blight) Fungus Not resistant Bachmann-Pfabe 2019
Globodera pallida (Pale Cyst Nematode) Invertebrate Not resistant Bachmann-Pfabe 2019

Glykoalkaloid content

Tubers that I have sampled had a strong bitter aftertaste, probably indicating that this species is not safe to eat.

Images

Solanum x rechei plant
Solanum x rechei plant
Solanum x rechei plant
Solanum x rechei plant
Solanum x rechei plant
Solanum x rechei plant
Solanum x rechei flower
Solanum x rechei flower
Above ground plant of the wild potato species Solanum x rechei
Solanum x rechei plant
Solanum x rechei flower
Solanum x rechei flower
Solanum x rechei flower
Solanum x rechei flower
Solanum x rechei berry
Solanum x rechei berry
Berries of the wild potato species Solanum x rechei
Solanum x rechei berries
Tubers of the wild potato species Solanum x rechei
Solanum x rechei tubers

Cultivation

Clausen (1998) observed a low rate of pollen staining in this species, indicating reduced male fertility.  I have found that berry production is poor even with hand pollination.

Breeding

Crosses with S. tuberosum

Female Male Berry Set
Seed Set Ploidy Germ Source
S. tuberosum S. rechei Low Minimal Jackson (1999)
S. rechei S. tuberosum None None Jackson (1999)

Crosses with other species

Jackson (1999) found 8-11% 2n pollen for varieties of this species.

Female Male Berry Set
Seed Set Ploidy Germ Source

References

Solanum x rechei at Solanaceae Source

Solanum x rechei at GRIN Taxonomy