Peanut Varietal Development
An Integrated Global Breeding and Genomics Approach to Intensifying Peanut Production and Quality
This project’s goal is to use conventional and molecular breeding to enhance the productivity, quality and marketability of peanuts in target countries. The research focuses on intensifying the biotic resistance, abiotic tolerance and quality aspects of peanut varieties through partnerships between peanut breeders in the US and other countries. Biotic stresses include resistance to economically damaging pathogens and pests, while the primary abiotic stresses are drought tolerance and avoidance, a trait that factors into mitigating aflatoxin contamination.
The breeding programs also focus on value-added traits, including high oleic content (adding to nutrition and shelf-life), increased micronutrient density (contributing iron and zinc), high oil content (good for cooking oil and butter) and large seeds (popular in the market).
As advanced varieties become available, they are distributed to PMIL target country collaborators and PMIL value chain projects for evaluation as well as other developing countries that request the material.
Lead Scientist
Dr. C. Michael Deom, Professor
Research Collaborators
CSIR - Savannah Agriculture Research Institute
- Dr. Nicholas Denwar
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
- Dr. Patrick Okori
Mozambique Agricultural Research Institute
- Dr. Amade Muitia
National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute
- Dr. Gayi Dennis
- Dr. David Kalule Okello
New Mexico State University
- Dr. Naveen Puppala
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
- Dr. Subbarayalu Mohankumar
Texas A & M University
- Dr. Mark Burow
- Charles E. Simpson
University of Connecticut
University of Florida
University of Ouagadougou
- Dr. Philippe Sankara
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Dr. Rangaswamy Muniappan
