b'by the USDA, is to give researchers a better understanding of the traits in a NUTSABOUTPEANUTS peanut plant that allow it to be more or less drought tolerant. The study is ongo-ing and it will be at least a year before the final results of the study are published, but Tillman says it has already produced some intriguing data.We think that we have some interest-Seed World recently spoke with some of the leadinging root traits that have never been stud-peanut breeding experts in the U.S. about their researchied before in peanut at least, he explains. We hope that will allow us to understand and what it could mean for growers around the country. not just the above ground response to Jim Timlick drought, but also the root response. Thats a very hard thing to do because roots are not visible until you dig them up and phe-PEANUT BREEDING HASoftenthe past two decades that we can applynotype them, and that is a lot of work.flown under the radar when it comesto peanut. The knowledge that was gainedTillman says the study isnt likely to pro-to the world of agricultural research.from those other crops and other spe- duce a magic bullet to combat drought. Unlike crops such as corn and soybeancies has really helped develop the knowl- However, it could provide growers with where billions of dollars have been spentedge that we have now because therea better understanding how different exploring new varieties and traits, peanutare better tools available to sequence thegenotypes in peanuts respond to drought has typically received a fraction of thegenome. conditions and which peanuts are better funding and attention thats been devotedsuited to full water conditions and those to those other crops. Florida that fare well in more arid conditions.I would say the biggest differenceFlorida generally ranks among the topIt could mean ultimately that you have between corn, soy and peanut is thatthree peanut-producing states in thesome genotypes marketed for irrigation peanut has only recently developed theU.S. and grows about 175,000 acres ofand other that will be marketed for dryer capacity and the research over the pastpeanuts in a typical year with a farm gateconditions, he adds.seven or eight years to have the detailedvalue of between $120 and $140 million.Another project Floridas peanut level of knowledge of the genome thatIts also one of the most importantteam is currently working on is a study of we currently have today. Were probablyregions in the country when it comes toaflatoxin and how to combat it. Aflatoxins about 10 or 15 years behind the otherpeanut breeding research. Leading theare potentially poisonous carcinogens crops, says Barry Tillman, a professorway in that research is the Universityproduced by certain molds or fungus. of agronomy at the University of Florida,of Florida and its Florida Peanut Team.The Florida study is focused on gaining a which has been conducting peanut breed- One of the research projects currentlybetter understanding of the environmental ing since the 1920s.underway at Florida is a study of waterand genetic factors that contribute to afla-The advantage for peanut is that therestress tolerance in peanuts. The aim oftoxin production in the peanut. It will also has been a lot learned from other crops inthe project, which is being partly-fundedlook at how peanut plants respond once 8/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2022'