Answer :
Final answer:
In 1845, the potatoes discovered in Ireland were afflicted by late blight, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, rendering them inedible. The disease thrived in Ireland's climate and the genetic uniformity of the potato plants made them highly susceptible. This led to a devastating famine, resulting in over a million deaths and mass emigration from Ireland.
Explanation:
The Irish Potato Epidemic of 1845
Upon the original discovery in 1845, the potatoes found in Ireland were severely affected by a disease known as late blight, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans. This disease resulted in the potatoes being unfit for consumption, as they displayed decay and rot, which rendered them inedible. The infection thrived in Ireland's cool and moist conditions, making the potato crop particularly vulnerable due to the genetically uniform composition of the potatoes, which were predominantly a single variety known as the Irish Lumper.
The consequences of the blight were catastrophic; it not only led to immediate food shortages but also resulted in the loss of essential 'seed potatoes' that were meant for planting in the following year. As a result, the failure of the potato crop triggered widespread starvation and a significant decline in the population of Ireland, with over a million people dying from hunger and many more emigrating in search of better opportunities.
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