Peanut genetics and crop improvement using wild species

Summary

We study the genetics that control important traits in the peanut crop and in related wild peanut species. These traits include resistance to peanut pests and diseases, seed size, pod format, growth habit, productivity and resilience to drought. In collaboration with breeders in the USA and abroad, the results of our studies are applied to produce peanuts with improved characteristics.

Situation

Peanuts are an exceptional source of high-quality nutrition, and a crop that is very beneficial to the soil in rotations. However, they are very susceptible to pests and diseases. In the USA the costs of pest and disease control often exceed $100 per acre. In parts of the world where pests and diseases are not controlled, severe yield reductions occur. Breeding varieties with improved pest and disease resistance depends upon genetic variability and sources of resistance, both of which are very limited in cultivated peanut. In contrast, wild species of peanut, native to South America, harbor both genetic variability and pest and disease resistances in abundance

Response

We study the genetics of disease resistance and other important traits using combinations of classical and modern genetics (based on genome sequences), together with specialized hybridization schemes involving cultivated peanut and related wild species. In collaboration with peanut breeders, we use DNA marker technologies to help incorporate new sources of strong pest and disease resistance into breeding programs.

Impact

The work has the potential to make a major impact on peanut cultivation. Our most advanced results involve new strong sources of resistance to the most important fungal diseases of peanut late leaf-spot and rust and root-knot nematodes. Collaboration with peanut breeding programs in the USA, Brazil and Senegal are incorporating these and other wild species-derived traits into elite local peanut varieties. So far, six new varieties have been released in Senegal and one in Brazil, new improved varieties are expected soon. This will reduce farmer costs, increase yield, reduce fuel use and lower the environmental impact of farming.

State Issue

Sustainability, Conservation, & the Environment

Details

• Year: 2018
• Geographic Scope: International
• County: Clarke
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources