Impact of heat stress on physiological characteristics and expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in groundnut ( L.).

Unlabelled: The current climate change has a profound impact on agricultural production. Despite the unanimous efforts of several nations to prevent further increase in global temperatures, developing adaptive strategies by imparting heat tolerance in crop plants is essential to ensure global food security. This study demonstrates the impact of heat stress on the morphological, physiological and biochemical properties of different groundnut genotypes derived from a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (JL 24 × 55-437).

Dissecting genomic regions and underlying candidate genes in groundnut MAGIC population for drought tolerance.

Background: Groundnut is mainly grown in the semi-arid tropic (SAT) regions worldwide, where abiotic stress like drought is persistent. However, a major research gap exists regarding exploring the genetic and genomic underpinnings of tolerance to drought. In this study, a multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) population was developed and evaluated for five seasons at two locations for three consecutive years (2018-19, 2019-20 and 2020-21) under drought stress and normal environments.

Genome-Wide Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci for Yield-Attributing Traits of Peanut.

Peanuts ( L.) are important high-protein and oil-containing legume crops adapted to arid to semi-arid regions. The yield and quality of peanuts are complex quantitative traits that show high environmental influence.

Identification and application of a candidate gene AhAftr1 for aflatoxin production resistance in peanut seed (Arachis hypogaea L.).

Introduction: Peanut is susceptible to infection of Aspergillus fungi and conducive to aflatoxin contamination, hence developing aflatoxin-resistant variety is highly meaningful. Identifying functional genes or loci conferring aflatoxin resistance and molecular diagnostic marker are crucial for peanut breeding.

Objectives: This work aims to (1) identify candidate gene for aflatoxin production resistance, (2) reveal the related resistance mechanism, and (3) develop diagnostic marker for resistance breeding program.

Genetic mapping identified major main-effect and three co-localized quantitative trait loci controlling high iron and zinc content in groundnut.

Malnutrition is a major challenge globally, and groundnut is a highly nutritious self-pollinated legume crop blessed with ample genomic resources, including the routine deployment of genomic-assisted breeding. This study aimed to identify genomic regions and candidate genes for high iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content, utilizing a biparental mapping population (ICGV 00440 × ICGV 06040;). Genetic mapping and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis (474 mapped single-nucleotide polymorphism loci; 1536.

Genetic mapping identified three hotspot genomic regions and candidate genes controlling heat tolerance-related traits in groundnut.

Groundnut productivity and quality have been impeded by rising temperatures in semi-arid environments. Hence, understanding the effects and molecular mechanisms of heat stress tolerance will aid in tackling yield losses. In this context, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed and phenotyped for eight seasons at three locations for agronomic, phenological, and physiological traits under heat stress.

Genetic mapping identifies genomic regions and candidate genes for seed weight and shelling percentage in groundnut.

Seed size is not only a yield-related trait but also an important measure to determine the commercial value of groundnut in the international market. For instance, small size is preferred in oil production, whereas large-sized seeds are preferred in confectioneries. In order to identify the genomic regions associated with 100-seed weight (HSW) and shelling percentage (SHP), the recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (Chico × ICGV 02251) of 352 individuals was phenotyped for three seasons and genotyped with an Axiom_ array containing 58K SNPs.

Genome-wide association mapping for LLS resistance in a MAGIC population of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

The identified 30 functional nucleotide polymorphisms or genic SNP markers would offer essential information for marker-assisted breeding in groundnut. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) on component traits of LLS resistance in an eight-way multiparent advance generation intercross (MAGIC) population of groundnut in the field and in a light chamber (controlled conditions) was performed via an Affymetrix 48 K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 'Axiom Arachis' array. Multiparental populations with high-density genotyping enable the detection of novel alleles.

Genetic approaches for assessment of phosphorus use efficiency in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.).

Production of phosphorus efficient genotypes in groundnut can improve and also reduces environmental pollution. Identification of P-efficient groundnut genotypes is a need of the hour to sustain in P-deficient soils. The pot experiment showed significant differences between genotypes (G) and treatments (T) for all the traits and G × T interaction for majority of traits.

Whole-genome sequencing based discovery of candidate genes and diagnostic markers for seed weight in groundnut.

Seed weight in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) has direct impact on yield as well as market price because of preference for bold seeds by consumers and industry, thereby making seed-size improvement as one of the most important objectives of groundnut breeding programs globally. Marker-based early generation selection can accelerate the process of breeding for developing large-seeded varieties.

X-ray driven peanut trait estimation: computer vision aided agri-system transformation.

Background: In India, raw peanuts are obtained by aggregators from smallholder farms in the form of whole pods and the price is based on a manual estimation of basic peanut pod and kernel characteristics. These methods of raw produce evaluation are slow and can result in procurement irregularities. The procurement delays combined with the lack of storage facilities lead to fungal contaminations and pose a serious threat to food safety in many regions.

Assessment of the genetic diversity and population structure of groundnut germplasm collections using phenotypic traits and SNP markers: Implications for drought tolerance breeding.

Profiling the genetic composition and relationships among groundnut germplasm collections is essential for the breeding of new cultivars. The objectives of this study were to assess the genetic diversity and population structure among 100 improved groundnut genotypes using agronomic traits and high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The genotypes were evaluated for agronomic traits and drought tolerance at the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)/India across two seasons.

Grain legume seed systems for smallholder farmers: Perspectives on successful innovations.

Grain legumes are nutritionally important components of smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Unfortunately, limited access to quality seed of improved varieties at affordable prices due to inadequate seed systems has reduced their contribution to improving nutrition and reducing poverty in these regions. This paper analyses four seed systems case studies: chickpea in Ethiopia and Myanmar; cowpea in Nigeria; and tropical grain legumes in Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda highlighting outcomes, lessons learned, and the enabling factors which supported the successful innovations.

Genome-based trait prediction in multi- environment breeding trials in groundnut.

Comparative assessment identified naïve interaction model, and naïve and informed interaction GS models suitable for achieving higher prediction accuracy in groundnut keeping in mind the high genotype × environment interaction for complex traits. Genomic selection (GS) can be an efficient and cost-effective breeding approach which captures both small- and large-effect genetic factors and therefore promises to achieve higher genetic gains for complex traits such as yield and oil content in groundnut. A training population was constituted with 340 elite lines followed by genotyping with 58 K 'Axiom_Arachis' SNP array and phenotyping for key agronomic traits at three locations in India.

Combining High Oleic Acid Trait and Resistance to Late Leaf Spot and Rust Diseases in Groundnut ( L.).

High oleic trait, resistance to rust and late leaf spot (LLS) are important breeding objectives in groundnut. Rust and LLS cause significant economic loss, and high oleic trait is an industry preferred trait that enhances economic returns. This study reports marker-assisted selection to introgress high oleic content, resistance to LLS and rust into Kadiri 6 (K 6), a popular cultivar.

Advances in Crop Improvement and Delivery Research for Nutritional Quality and Health Benefits of Groundnut ( L.).

Groundnut is an important global food and oil crop that underpins agriculture-dependent livelihood strategies meeting food, nutrition, and income security. Aflatoxins, pose a major challenge to increased competitiveness of groundnut limiting access to lucrative markets and affecting populations that consume it. Other drivers of low competitiveness include allergens and limited shelf life occasioned by low oleic acid profile in the oil.

Genotype × Environment Studies on Resistance to Late Leaf Spot and Rust in Genomic Selection Training Population of Peanut ( L.).

Foliar fungal diseases especially late leaf spot (LLS) and rust are the important production constraints across the peanut growing regions of the world. A set of 340 diverse peanut genotypes that includes accessions from gene bank of International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), elite breeding lines from the breeding program, and popular cultivars were screened for LLS and rust resistance and yield traits across three locations in India under natural and artificial disease epiphytotic conditions. The study revealed significant variation among the genotypes for LLS and rust resistance at different environments.

Steady expression of high oleic acid in peanut bred by marker-assisted backcrossing for fatty acid desaturase mutant alleles and its effect on seed germination along with other seedling traits.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important nutrient-rich food legume and valued for its good quality cooking oil. The fatty acid content is the major determinant of the quality of the edible oil.

Genomics, genetics and breeding of tropical legumes for better livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Legumes are important components of sustainable agricultural production, food, nutrition and income systems of developing countries. In spite of their importance, legume crop production is challenged by a number of biotic (diseases and pests) and abiotic stresses (heat, frost, drought and salinity), edaphic factors (associated with soil nutrient deficits) and policy issues (where less emphasis is put on legumes compared to priority starchy staples). Significant research and development work have been done in the past decade on important grain legumes through collaborative bilateral and multilateral projects as well as the CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes (CRP-GL).

Genetics, genomics and breeding of groundnut ( L.).

Groundnut is an important food and oil crop in the semiarid tropics, contributing to household food consumption and cash income. In Asia and Africa, yields are low attributed to various production constraints. This review paper highlights advances in genetics, genomics and breeding to improve the productivity of groundnut.

Whole-genome resequencing-based QTL-seq identified candidate genes and molecular markers for fresh seed dormancy in groundnut.

The subspecies fastigiata of cultivated groundnut lost fresh seed dormancy (FSD) during domestication and human-made selection. Groundnut varieties lacking FSD experience precocious seed germination during harvest imposing severe losses. Development of easy-to-use genetic markers enables early-generation selection in different molecular breeding approaches.