Clemson University Research Team Discover Genes that Could Help Peanuts Beat the Heat

As global temperatures rise, heat stress threatens peanut yields by reducing their ability to reproduce. A new study conducted by scientists from Clemson University has discovered a key section of DNA that helps peanuts stay productive in hot weather. The researcher team also found a genetic marker and a few plant types that produce healthy pollen even under heat stress.

Peanuts are especially vulnerable to heat during flowering. When temperatures climb above 86 degrees, peanut pollen fails to properly develop and germinate, leading to fewer pods and lower yields. Scientists led by molecular breeder Sachin Rustgi at Clemson University's Pee Dee Research and Education Center studied 72 peanut genotypes from across the globe, including a popular U.S. runner type, Georgia Green. The plants were placed in a greenhouse, exposed to high temperatures, and evaluated to determine the impact of heat stress on pollen viability and germination.

The results showed that some peanut varieties, like PI 200441 from Japan, maintained high pollen viability, while others, like PI 504614 from Colombia, struggled. The team used advanced genetic tools to identify a small region on chromosome 20, called “qPPVA20″ that appears to play a significant role in helping pollen survive heat stress, or remain viable during hot weather. The scientists also found that this genetic region contains key genes that help transport copper and build ribosomes. Both genes are highly active in peanut flowers. The team also identified several genetic markers linked to peanut seed quality, focusing on healthy fats like oleic acid.

For more details, read the news article in Clemson News.