Humans have been eating peaches and almonds for thousands of years. Although at first sight the products of these trees may seem to be very different, both species are part of the Prunus genus, and are genetically very similar—so much so that they can be cross-bred, and fertile hybrids can be obtained from them. Now, an international team led by researchers of the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) has sequenced the genome of one almond tree variety and compared it to the peach tree genome. The detailed comparison of both genomes provides insights into their evolutionary history, and reveals the key role played by genomic mobile elements, also known as transposable elements, or transposons, in the diversification of both species. According to the authors of the paper, the movement of the transposons could lie at the origin of the differences between the fruit of both species or the flavour of the almond.
The knowledge of the almond trees genome will be a very important tool in the improvement of the species. “For example, this information will enable us to look for more productive and more disease-resistant varieties and also rule out those that bear bitter almonds more easily,” explains Pere Arús, an IRTA researcher at CRAG. Arús led the study that is now published in The Plant Journal, and also took part in the international consortium that ultimately sequenced the peach tree genome in 2013.
Almonds and peaches belong to the same family, Rosaceae, which also includes other popular fruits such as apples, strawberries, and plums. Both fruits are similar in that they feature a hard pit. However, almonds and peaches differ in the way these componens are structured.
A common ancestor in the center of Asia
The comparison of the genome of the Texas almond tree variety and the peach tree genome places the divergence of both species 6 million years in the past. The results are consistent with the existing hypothesis that places the existence of a common ancestor of these Prunus species in the centre of Asia and the subsequent separation of both populations that occurred when the Himalayas massif was lifted. This geological phenomenon would have left both populations of Prunus exposed to totally different climates in which both species would evolve: the almond tree in the arid steppe of the centre and west of Asia and the peach tree in the subtropical climates of the East, in the area that is now South China.
“The comparison of the genome of the ‘Texas’ almond tree variety…and the peach tree genome places the divergence of both species six million years ago. The results are consistent with the existing hypothesis that places the existence of a common ancestor of these Prunus species in the center of Asia and the subsequent separation of two populations that was brought about when the Himalayas massif was lifted. This geological phenomenon would have left both populations of Prunus exposed to totally different climates in which both species would evolve: the almond tree in the arid steppe of the center and west of Asia and the peach tree in the subtropical climates of the East, in the area that is now South China.”
Almonds and peaches are two great things that go great together. In fact, we feel hungry just thinking about it (with some vanilla ice cream, perhaps). Anyway, it turns out that they’re not just tasty together, but almonds and peaches are related.
Are Almonds Related To Peaches
FAQ
Are almonds related to peaches?
Is the almond a member of the peach family?
What fruit is in the almond family?
Which nut are peaches closely related to?
Are almonds and peaches related?
Yes, almonds and peaches are very closely related. Both are part of the Rosaceae family, the Prunus genus, and the Prunus Amygdalus subgenus. Peaches are then in the Prunus persica species, while almonds are in the Prunus dulcis species. This means they are almost the same tree, but produce different fruits.
What is the difference between an almond and a peach?
Almonds are typically small, oval-shaped nuts with a hard, outer shell. The inner part of the almond, known as the kernel, is what we commonly consume. On the other hand, peaches are larger and have a soft, fuzzy skin. The flesh of a peach is juicy and sweet, offering a delightful eating experience.
Do almonds & peaches belong to Rosaceae?
To better understand this fact, let’s dive into the world of botany. Both almonds and peaches belong to the botanical family Rosaceae. This family includes a wide range of flowering plants, making it one of the largest plant families.
Are almonds a nut or a seed?
While many consider almonds a nut, botanists identify the ingredient as a seed. According to Public Goods , true nuts are the fruits of a tree. Almonds are only the seed of said fruit, as the almond fruit resembles a peach with an exterior, a shell, and the seed within. Both almonds and peaches even fall into the same botanic family, Prunus.