Solanum cochoae G. J. Anderson & Bernardello is a primary wild relative of pepino, S. muricatum Aiton (USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program 2015).

Solanum cochoae is endemic to northwestern and central Peru, where it grows in montane shrublands on the western slopes of the Andes. Although the species is likely adapted to small-scale disturbances, the large-scale land-use change in the region is likely decreasing extent of the species' habitat. Solanum cochoae already has a small extent of occurrence (EOO = 9,482 km²) and area of occupancy (AOO = 28 km²) and the species is only known from seven locations. Therefore, this species is assessed as Vulnerable.

This species is endemic to northwestern and central Peru. Specimens have been collected in the Peruvian regions of Ancash, Cajamarca, Lima, and La Libertad and Amazonas. It occurs at the elevations of 2,600 m to 3,000 m.

The extant population is likely to consist of at least seven subpopulations. No quantitative information on population size and trajectory is available for the species. However, habitat loss caused by land-use change in the region is likely to lead to decreases in population size.

The species grows in montane shrublands on the western slopes of the Andes. The species often occurs in disturbed habitats near roadsides. According to collection notes, the species grows in association with Oyedaea buphthalmoides DC., Desmodium molliculum (Kunth) DC., Cassia sp., Triumfetta calycina Turcz., Axonopus scoparius (Flüggé) Kuhlm., Cyperus hermaphroditus (Jacq.) Standl., Crotalaria nutans Welw. ex Baker, and Lupinus ellsworthianus C.P. Sm. (Anderson and Bernardello 1991).

Although the species is likely adapted to small-scale disturbances, the continued conversion of forest and shrubland to agricultural- and pastureland in the region is likely decreasing the habitat of the species (Wassenaar et al. 2007). The effects of climate change are likely to change the distribution and composition of already fragmented alpine habitats, putting the species under further pressure.

It is a primary wild relative and potential gene donor to Pepino (Solanum muricatum) (USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program 2015).

All known subpopulations occur outside of protected areas. The species is not subject to any dedicated conservation planning or legislation and would benefit from the expansion of the protected area network in the region.