Identification and Characterization of Peanut Seed Coat Secondary Metabolites Inhibiting Growth and Reducing Aflatoxin Contamination.

The peanut seed coat acts as a physical and biochemical barrier against infection; however, the nature of the inhibitory chemicals in the peanut seed coat in general is not known. This study identified and characterized peanut seed coat metabolites that inhibit growth and aflatoxin contamination. Selected peanut accessions grown under well-watered and water-deficit conditions were assayed for resistance, and seed coats were metabolically profiled using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry.

Peanut Seed Coat Acts as a Physical and Biochemical Barrier against Infection.

Aflatoxin contamination is a global menace that adversely affects food crops and human health. Peanut seed coat is the outer layer protecting the cotyledon both at pre- and post-harvest stages from biotic and abiotic stresses. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of seed coat against infection.