New genetic discovery could help peanuts beat the heat

Source: Clemson University College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences

by Denise Attaway

FLORENCE, S.C. — As global temperatures rise, peanut farmers face a growing challenge: Heat stress threatens crop yields by reducing plants’ ability to reproduce.

But a new study by Clemson University scientists offers hope. The scientists recently discovered a key section of DNA that helps peanuts stay productive in hot weather. They also found a genetic marker and a few plant types that produce healthy pollen even under heat stress.

These findings could help breeders develop peanut varieties that not only survive the heat, but also produce high-quality, nutritious seeds.

Clemson scientists recently discovered key genes that help peanuts stay productive in hot weather. Image Credit - Clemson University

Peanuts, a vital source of nutrition and income for millions worldwide, are especially vulnerable to heat during flowering.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), peanuts are primarily grown in the southern U.S. — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas — where the climate is warmer and growing seasons are longer than in northern zones.

When temperatures climb above 86 degrees, peanut pollen often fails to properly develop and germinate, leading to fewer pods and lower yields.

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