Related Publications

Front Plant Sci. 2026 Jan 22;16:1745366. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1745366. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

The total sugar content (TSC), soluble sugar content (SSC), and sucrose content (SC) are key determinants of taste and flavor of fresh and dried peanut kernels, and are important quality indicators in peanut breeding. However, the quantitative trait locus (QTLs) regulating peanut sugar content, especially in fresh seeds, remain poorly understood. In this study, TSC, SSC, and SC were measured in dried mature seeds (DMS) across four environments (three-year data from Baoding and Fuxin) and in fresh seeds (FS) across two environments (Baoding and Fuxin), and QTL mapping was performed in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population ('Silihong'×'Jinonghei3'). TSC, SSC, and SC were all lower in FS compared to DMS, indicating that the sugar content increased during the drying and maturation process. Two major co-localized QTLs, qA06 (physical location 115.08-115.73 Mb) and qB06 (physical location 147.74-148.46 Mb), were identified in multiple environments. qA06 was associated with TSC, SSC, and SC in DMS, and SSC in FS, spanning a 0.65 Mb physical interval. qB06, spanning a 0.72Mb physical interval, was associated with TSC, SSC, SC in DMS, and TSC, SSC in FS. qB06 represents a newly identified QTL in this study; within 56 candidate genes and 319 SNPs were screened. Among them, the genes arahy.3URM83 and arahy.41Y8R9, and arahy.P7PTW7 were closely related to sugar synthesis. Transcriptome analysis during the drying and maturation stages revealed that arahy.3URM83 and arahy.41Y8R9 were strongly associated with sugar content. The QTL regions identified in this study not only elucidate the genetic regulatory mechanism of peanut sugar content under different drying conditions but also enable the development of KASP markers, offering valuable resources for peanut quality improvement and targeted breeding programs.

PMID:41658555 | PMC:PMC12872821 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2025.1745366

J Environ Sci Health A Tox Hazard Subst Environ Eng. 2026 Feb 6:1-13. doi: 10.1080/10934529.2026.2623379. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Chromium (Cr), classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a carcinogen, poses significant risks to human health. This study evaluated the uptake of Cr in Arachis hypogaea, Vigna unguiculata, and Zea mays cultivated in Cr-contaminated soils and assessed the associated toxicological risks to human consumers. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using soils contaminated with Cr at 10 and 30 mg kg^-1. Chromium concentrations in soils and plant tissues were quantified using ICP-OES, and bioconcentration and translocation factors (TFs) were determined to assess Cr uptake and movement within the plants. The lifetime incremental cancer risk (ILCR) was determined to evaluate potential long-term health risks. Results showed that all three species accumulated significant amounts of Cr in roots and aerial tissues, with bioconcentration factors (BFs) greater than one in most treatments. However, TFs remained below or equal to one for most cases, indicating limited upward movement of Cr. Importantly, ILCR values were within permissible limits, suggesting no significant carcinogenic risk for consuming these crops. These findings indicate that A. hypogaea, V. unguiculata, and Z. mays are resistant to Cr contamination and can be safely cultivated and consumed in soils containing up to 30 mg kg^-1 of Cr. This study provides valuable insights for ecotoxicological risks and for the safe management of Cr-contaminated agricultural soils in Mozambican industrial areas.

PMID:41649111 | DOI:10.1080/10934529.2026.2623379

Front Plant Sci. 2026 Jan 20;16:1745895. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1745895. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Proline-rich extensin-like receptor kinases (PERKs) represent a distinct subclass of plant receptor-like kinases (RLKs) ubiquitous in plants. While characterized in several species, a comprehensive analysis of the PERK gene family in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) remains limited.

METHODS: A genome-wide identification and systematic characterization of the PERK gene family in peanut was conducted. Evolutionary analysis was performed via phylogenetics and motif identification. Gene structures and promoter cis-elements were analyzed in silico. Expression profiles were assessed across tissues and under abiotic stresses. Functional validation of selected genes in plant innate immunity was performed.

RESULTS: Twenty-three PERK genes (PERK1-PERK23) were identified, unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes (highest density on chromosome 5). Phylogenetic analysis with Arabidopsis PERKs classified them into three subgroups (I-III), with Subgroup II predominantly containing peanut members. All genes contain introns and share conserved motifs. Promoter analysis revealed stress-responsive elements, including light-responsive (all genes), MeJA-responsive (18 genes), and ABA-responsive (16 genes) elements. Expression profiling showed constitutive expression for 11 genes, ubiquitous high expression of PERK6/PERK20, and root/nodule-specific expression of PERK13/PERK14. Under abiotic stress, 12, 9, and 6 genes responded to low temperature, drought, and ABA, respectively. Functionally, PERK4, PERK12, and PERK15 significantly suppressed plant innate immunity, whereas PERK8 enhanced it.

DISCUSSION: This study provides the first genome-wide analysis of the PERK family in peanut, revealing its evolutionary features and expression patterns. Crucially, functional characterization demonstrates that peanut PERKs can bidirectionally modulate plant innate immunity, with members acting as either negative or positive regulators. This discovery of their immune regulatory functions offers novel molecular targets for stress-resistance breeding in legume crops.

PMID:41640778 | PMC:PMC12864506 | DOI:10.3389/fpls.2025.1745895

New Phytol. 2026 Feb 3. doi: 10.1111/nph.70952. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The root nodule symbiosis between legumes and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) acts as an important nitrogen source in terrestrial ecosystems. NFB in soil are affected by top-down predation in the food web. However, how protist predation affects abundant and rare sub-communities of NFB remains virtually unknown, limiting the exploitation of soil food webs to promote plant productivity. Here, a 10-yr field experiment combined with a glasshouse experiment was conducted to explore the effects of protist predation on abundant and rare NFB under organic material amendments. Our results revealed that organic material amendments increased the diversity of rare NFB and phagotrophic protists, but decreased the relative abundance of abundant NFB Correlation analysis combined with the glasshouse experiment suggested that protist predation decreased the relative abundance of NFB abundant taxa, but increased the diversity of rare taxa, which further promoted the cytokinin content and decreased the ethylene content in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) roots. Subsequent changes in plant hormones regulated the expression of genes involved in rhizobial infection, nodule organogenesis, and bacteroid differentiation, thereby promoting nodulation and increasing peanut yield. Overall, our findings provide unique insights into the interactions between phagotrophic protists and NFB, highlighting their links with plant productivity via predation-stimulated symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

PMID:41635060 | DOI:10.1111/nph.70952

J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2026 Feb;17(1):e70221. doi: 10.1002/jcsm.70221.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nut consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of functional decline, but evidence from randomised controlled trials to support functional benefit is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether daily supplementation of peanut butter over 6 months, relative to usual care, can improve physical function in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS: One hundred and twenty older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) at risk of falls were randomly assigned to receive peanut butter (43 g/day, n = 60) or maintain usual care (control, n = 60) for 6 months. Outcomes assessed at baseline and 6 months included physical function (4-m gait speed [primary outcome], standing balance test, four-square step test [FSST], five times sit-to-stand [5STS] test time and muscle power, 30-s sit-to-stand (30-s STS) and timed up and go [TUG] tests), muscle strength (handgrip [HGS] and isometric knee extensor strength tests [KES]) and anthropometry/body composition (weight, body mass index [BMI], total lean and fat mass and appendicular lean mass). Linear regression models, adjusting for age, sex, baseline value of the dependent variable, BMI, physical activity and diet quality, estimated intention-to-treat intervention effects.

RESULTS: A total of 108 (90%) participants completed the study. At baseline, 70% were female, and the mean ± SD age and BMI were 76.1 ± 4.6 years and 27.5 ± 4.2 kg/m², respectively. At 6 months, there were no significant treatment effects on the primary outcome of gait speed or other measures of physical function (p > 0.05), with the exception that 5STS time and muscle power improved significantly more in the peanut butter compared to control group (estimated treatment effect: time, -1.23 s [95% CI, -2.09, -0.37], p = 0.006; absolute power, 22.0 W [95% CI: 7.1 to 36.9], p = 0.004; relative power, 0.27 W/kg [95% CI: 0.10 to 0.45], p = 0.002). Changes in HGS, KES, weight, BMI, total fat mass, total lean mass or appendicular lean mass did not differ between groups. In the peanut butter group, among those who completed the follow-up, the mean (SD) adherence was 86.0 (13.8) %.

CONCLUSION: In community-dwelling older adults at risk for falls, daily peanut butter consumption for 6 months improved 5STS time and muscle power based on 5STS, but not gait speed, muscle strength or body composition.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials: ACTRN12622001291774.

PMID:41632974 | PMC:PMC12867520 | DOI:10.1002/jcsm.70221

JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Dec 1;8(12):e2550915. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.50915.

ABSTRACT

IMPORTANCE: Early peanut introduction (EPI) is encouraged by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease guidelines and consensus opinion among several allergy associations as a public health measure to decrease peanut allergy. Studies evaluating EPI implementation have found variable impact.

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively evaluate parental understanding, beliefs, barriers, and overall implementation of EPI.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: For this qualitative study, parents were recruited from primary care academic clinics, federally qualified health centers, and private clinics in Chicago, Illinois, with a focus on adequate representation. Utilizing purposive sampling, all English-speaking parents of infants aged 8 to 13 months were invited to participate. Parents of infants with medical conditions that would alter solid food introduction practices or those involved in other food allergy prevention studies were excluded. Semistructured interviews were conducted with parents from September 2023 to December 2024. Interview questions were structured to follow the Theory of Planned Behavior. All interviews underwent thematic analysis with consensus agreement on all elements.

EXPOSURE: Participation in an interview about EPI.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was EPI understanding and implementation utilizing the following Theory of Planned Behavior domains: knowledge, beliefs and opinions, practices, and information sources. A modified grounded theory approach employing the constant comparison method was used to inform thematic analysis and evaluate interviews.

RESULTS: Forty-nine interviews were conducted. Participants were primarily mothers (45 participants [92%]). Most parents reported they were at least partially aware of EPI guidelines. Eight major themes emerged: (1) EPI was to evaluate whether the infant was allergic to peanut, (2) EPI was to prevent peanut allergy, (3) family history of food allergy was the main risk factor, (4) EPI is viewed positively, (5) fear of an allergic reaction served as a barrier to EPI, (6) parents had mixed feelings about EPI's overall benefit, (7) EPI was understood and practiced with vide variability, and (8) the pediatrician was the primary source of EPI knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This qualitative study found that although parents were aware of EPI, there was confusion around its purpose, implementation, and risk factors. The main barrier for most parents was the risk of an allergic reaction during EPI. Clear and directive guidance from their pediatrician was a facilitator for successful EPI implementation.

PMID:41632118 | PMC:PMC12715651 | DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.50915

J Food Sci. 2026 Feb;91(2):e70876. doi: 10.1111/1750-3841.70876.

ABSTRACT

Peanut-induced allergic reactions are characterized by rapid onset, high morbidity, and mortality. The current stage to reduce the allergenicity of peanut protein involves various processing methods, including ultrasonication, which is widely used in food processing to disrupt protein structure. In this study, peanut crude protein was treated with ultrasonication and fed to mice. Results showed a significant reduction and alleviated tissue damage in the intestine, lung, and spleen. Additionally, inflammatory factors such as TSLP, IL-33, and so forth were significantly reduced in mice. Furthermore, ultrasound-purified Ara h 2 protein treatment in cells showed a significant reduction in cellular inflammation through the MAPK and NF-κB pathways. This study also found that ultrasonication altered the structure of the Ara h 2 protein, which may be the main reason for its reduced sensitization.

PMID:41618738 | DOI:10.1111/1750-3841.70876

Braz J Biol. 2026 Jan 26;85:e299765. doi: 10.1590/1519-6984.299765. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the most widely cultivated and consumed oilseed crops globally, with seed quality being a critical factor for successful cultivation and productivity. Among the main phytopathogenic agents associated with seeds, fungi stand out due to their frequency and the extent of damage they can cause, ranging from the sowing period to post-harvest. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of commercial biological products on the sanitary and physiological quality of peanut seeds. The experiment was conducted in the laboratory and greenhouse of the Phytopathology Laboratory at CCA/UFPB, Areia-PB, Brazil. The treatments included: Vacciplant®, Shocker®, Tricho Turbo®, Auin®, Ecotrich®, Captana®, and a control using sterilized distilled water (SDW). The following parameters were evaluated: fungal incidence, seed moisture content, germination, first count, germination and emergence speed indices, as well as seedling growth and dry mass. All treatments reduced the incidence of Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Chaetomium sp., and Aspergillus sp. The highest germination speed index (GSI) was observed with Ecotrich® (87.29). The products Ecotrich®, Auin®, and Captana® promoted greater shoot and root growth, while Shocker®, Auin®, and Captana® were most effective in increasing shoot dry mass. All treatments outperformed the control in seedling emergence, with Captana® being the most effective. The results indicate that biological products are a promising alternative for peanut seed treatment, with positive effects on seed health, germination, and vigor.

PMID:41615108 | DOI:10.1590/1519-6984.299765

Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2026 Jan 18;48(1):99. doi: 10.3390/cimb48010099.

ABSTRACT

Background: Peanut is susceptible to iron (Fe) deficiency, particularly in calcareous soils. However, comparative studies on the adaptive mechanisms of different peanut cultivars to Fe deficiency remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the physiological and molecular responses of two distinct peanut cultivars to Fe deprivation and to identify the key traits contributing to differential Fe efficiency. Methods: Two peanut cultivars, LH11 and YZ9102, were cultivated under Fe-sufficient and Fe-deficient conditions, using both hydroponic and pot-based soil culture systems. Multiple parameters were assessed, including visual symptomology, biomass, tissue Fe concentration, active Fe in leaves, chlorophyll (Chl) content (SPAD value), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), Chl fluorescence (Fv/Fm), rhizosphere pH, root ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity, and the relative expression of two Fe-acquisition-related genes (AhIRT1 and AhFRO1) via qRT-PCR. Results: Cultivar YZ9102 exhibited more severe Fe deficiency chlorosis symptoms, which also appeared earlier than in LH11, under both cultivation systems. Under Fe deficiency, YZ9102 showed significantly lower Chl content, Pn, and Fv/Fm compared to LH11. In contrast, LH11 demonstrated a greater capacity for rhizosphere acidification and maintained significantly higher root FCR activity under Fe-limited conditions. Gene expression analysis revealed that Fe deficiency induced the up-regulation of AhIRT1 and AhFRO1 in the roots of LH11, while their transcript levels were suppressed or unchanged in YZ9102. Conclusions: The peanut cultivar LH11 possesses superior tolerance to Fe deficiency compared to YZ9102. This enhanced tolerance is attributed to a synergistic combination of traits: the maintenance of photosynthetic performance, efficient rhizosphere acidification, heightened root Fe³⁺ reduction capacity, and the positive transcriptional regulation of key Fe uptake genes. These findings provide crucial insights for the selection and breeding of Fe-efficient peanut varieties for cultivation in Fe-deficient environments.

PMID:41614929 | PMC:PMC12839995 | DOI:10.3390/cimb48010099

Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2025 Dec 25;48(1):29. doi: 10.3390/cimb48010029.

ABSTRACT

Sucrose is a key quality trait in peanuts, yet high-sucrose varieties are scarce. Although sucrose transporters (SUT/SUC) play crucial roles in sucrose transport and accumulation during seed development, systematic analyses in peanuts are limited. This study conducted a genome-wide analysis of the SUC gene family in cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). Sixteen AhSUC genes were identified and characterized for genomic distribution, phylogeny, and expression across tissues and developmental stages. The genes are unevenly distributed across the genome with clustered chromosomal localization. All AhSUC proteins contain the conserved sucrose/proton co-transporter domain (IPR005989), exhibit the typical 12 transmembrane α-helical structure of the major facilitator superfamily, are hydrophobic, and predicted to localize to the membrane. Promoter analysis revealed cis-regulatory elements associated with growth, development, light, hormone, and stress responses. Expression profiling showed tissue-specific patterns, with eight AhSUC genes being highly expressed in cotyledons and embryos. Comparative analysis between high-sugar and conventional varieties showed higher expression of AhSUC2, AhSUC9, and AhSUC11 in the high-sugar variety, correlating with increased sucrose accumulation. Functional validation using a sucrose transport-deficient yeast mutant confirmed the sucrose transport activity of these genes. These findings provide insight into sucrose accumulation mechanisms and offer genetic targets for breeding high-sugar peanut varieties.

PMID:41614859 | PMC:PMC12840190 | DOI:10.3390/cimb48010029

Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao. 2026 Jan 25;42(1):330-342. doi: 10.13345/j.cjb.250392.

ABSTRACT

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of China's important oilseed and economic crops, and its symbiotic nitrogen fixation system formed with rhizobia has significant agricultural and ecological value. The aspartic protease family plays a crucial role in plant stress resistance and hormone signal transduction, while its function in leguminous plants for nodular nitrogen fixation remains unclear. This study identified a specifically expressed aspartic protease family gene, AhAP12, which rapidly responded to rhizobial infection in peanut nodules through bioinformatics analysis. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that AhAP12 was localized to both the nucleus and cell membrane. Moreover, overexpression of AhAP12 in peanut hairy roots significantly increased nodule formation, while silencing AhAP12 markedly reduced nodulation, which indicated that AhAP12 positively regulated peanut nodulation. Further expression analysis revealed that AhAP12 might influence the nodulation process by regulating the expression of multiple key nodulation-related genes, including AhNIN and AhHK. This study is the first to elucidate the role of AhAP12 in symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legumes, providing new theoretical insights into the molecular mechanisms of nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Additionally, it offers valuable genetic resources for breeding new peanut varieties with enhanced nodulation efficiency and improved nitrogen utilization.

PMID:41611504 | DOI:10.13345/j.cjb.250392

Food Res Int. 2025 Dec;221(Pt 1):117207. doi: 10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117207. Epub 2025 Aug 5.

ABSTRACT

Peanut protein isolate (PPI) has limited gelation property, thus inhibiting their widespread usage. In this research, the treatment of PPI with combined pH-shifting at pH 10 and mild heating (CPH) at different temperatures on gel properties of transglutaminase (TG) induced cold-set PPI gel (T-PPI-G) were studied. It was found that the combined treatment significantly increased the gel strength and water holding capacity of T-PPI-G, and the two parameters increased with increasing of temperature during the pH shifting process. This was because the combined treatment increased the solubility and decreased the particle size of PPI significantly. Moreover, the combined treatment increased the free sulfhydryl content, surface hydrophobicity of PPI and heated PPI (H-PPI), thus promoting protein interactions during the formation of PPI gel. In addition, more free amino of PPI and H-PPI were provided after the combined treatment, which further enhanced the TG cross-linking degree and decreased the non-network protein content. SDS-PAGE showed significant alteration of protein submit and CD spectroscopy showed significant change of α-helices to β-sheets for PPI and H-PPI subjected to the combined treatment. Besides, larger change of structure and physicochemical characteristics were found when PPI were treated at higher temperature during the pH shifting process, thus resulting in a much denser gel structure. So this study suggested that alkali-heat treatment is an effective means to tailor the properties of TG induced PPI gel.

PMID:41606932 | DOI:10.1016/j.foodres.2025.117207

Ann Bot. 2026 Jan 28:mcag013. doi: 10.1093/aob/mcag013. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Primed acclimation (PA) is a phenomenon where an abiotic stressor early in a plant's vegetative stage primes defense pathways to the same stressor at later developmental stages. Similarly, cross-stress tolerance is a response where an exposure to one abiotic stressor creates a 'stress memory' that can more quickly respond to a later, different abiotic stressor. Cross-priming is a phenomenon where an early abiotic stressor confers defense to a late season biotic stressor. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), an economically important crop in the United States, has exhibited beneficial primed acclimation responses in previous studies. Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal agent of southern blight, can inflict significant economic damage to peanut operations. The purpose of this study was therefore to test for cross-priming against southern blight in two peanut cultivars.

METHODS: In this factorial greenhouse study, we instituted four sequential treatments each with two levels: (1) cv. Florun 331/cv. Georgia-06G, (2) Primary Water Stress (P-50FC)/Primary Well-Watered (P-100FC), (3) Inoculated/Control, and (4) Secondary Water Stress (S-0FC)/Secondary Well-Watered (S-100FC), yielding a total of 16 treatments. The primary water stress (PWS) consisted of irrigating plants to 50% field capacity for 35 days and the secondary water stress (SWS) was the withholding of any water for seven days.

KEY RESULTS: We documented the absence of a beneficial cross-priming result as we did not see reduced southern blight progression among plants exposed to the PWS. Crucially, we observed a three-way interaction between cultivar, PWS, and SWS in inoculated plants, whereby the treatment combinations "Georgia-06G→P-50FC→S-0FC" and "Florun331→P-50FC→S-100FC" had substantially greater disease severity than their P-100FC counterparts. Serendipitously, we observed reduced secondary transmission of southern blight in P-50FC treated plants. Overall, our results caution that drought acclimation may not only fail to deliver crop production benefits but could even have an adverse influence on peanut yields and disease severity.

PMID:41601275 | DOI:10.1093/aob/mcag013

Plants (Basel). 2026 Jan 20;15(2):304. doi: 10.3390/plants15020304.

ABSTRACT

Seed coat color in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a critical agronomic trait that affects both nutritional quality and market appeal. In this study, we identified two bHLH transcription factor genes, AhWSC1a and AhWSC1b, homologues of Arabidopsis TRANSPARENT TESTA 8, as indispensable gatekeepers of basal flavonoid pigmentation. QTL-seq analysis of a recombinant inbred line population derived from a black-testa parent (S3) and a white-testa parent (S2) revealed that recessive loss-of-function mutations in both AhWSC1a/1b abolish proanthocyanidin biosynthesis, resulting in a white testa. Integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling confirmed the absence of proanthocyanidins and a strong repression of late anthocyanin-pathway genes (DFR, LDOX) in the mutants. Molecular assays further demonstrated that AhWSC1 physically interacts with the R2R3-MYB regulator AhTc1 to form a functional MBW complex that activates AhDFR and AhLDOX transcription. In this research, we also found that the black testa phenotype may arise from elevated AhTc1 expression associated with a structural variant (SV); however, in the SV background, the introduction of ahwsc1a/1b mutant leads to a significant suppression of AhTc1 expression. Notably, because AhWSC1 is transcriptionally silent in hairy-root systems, overexpression of AhTc1 alone failed to induce these late-stage anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, highlighting AhWSC1 as an indispensable, rate-limiting hub of anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway regulation. Collectively, our findings establish AhWSC1a and AhWSC1b as master regulators of peanut testa pigmentation, elucidate the molecular basis of classical white testa inheritance, and provide genetic targets for precision-breeding of nutritionally enhanced cultivars.

PMID:41600111 | PMC:PMC12845083 | DOI:10.3390/plants15020304

Insects. 2026 Jan 4;17(1):63. doi: 10.3390/insects17010063.

ABSTRACT

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally important oilseed and food legume, yet its productivity is persistently constrained by devastating diseases and insect pests that thrive under changing climates. This review aims to provide a comprehensive synthesis of advances in precision breeding and molecular approaches for enhancing disease and pest resistance in peanut. Traditional control measures ranging from crop rotation and cultural practices to chemical protection have delivered only partial and often unsustainable relief. The narrow genetic base of cultivated peanut and its complex allotetraploid genome further hinder the introgression of durable resistance. Recent advances in precision breeding are redefining the possibilities for resilient peanut improvement. Multi-omics platforms genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have accelerated the identification of resistance loci, effector-triggered immune components, and molecular cross-talk between pathogen, pest, and host responses. Genome editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas systems now enable the precise modification of susceptibility genes and defense regulators, overcoming barriers of conventional breeding. Integration of these molecular innovations with phenomics, machine learning, and remote sensing has transformed resistance screening from manual assessment to real-time, data-driven prediction. Such AI-assisted breeding pipelines promise enhanced selection accuracy and faster deployment of multi-stress-tolerant cultivars. This review outlines current progress, technological frontiers, and persisting gaps in leveraging precision breeding for disease and pest resistance in peanut, outlining a roadmap toward climate-resilient, sustainable production systems.

PMID:41598917 | PMC:PMC12842506 | DOI:10.3390/insects17010063

Int J Mol Sci. 2026 Jan 15;27(2):890. doi: 10.3390/ijms27020890.

ABSTRACT

This study explores the virome of fifteen peanut cultivars in Korea. Through RNA sequencing, 305 viral contigs associated with cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), peanut mottle virus (PeMoV), bean common mosaic virus (BCMV), and brassica yellows virus (BrYV) were identified, with CMV notably prevalent across samples. Evaluation of viral abundance using viral reads and TPM values revealed CMV dominance in reads and PeMoV prominence in normalized values in select samples. Complete genomes of BCMV, PeMoV, BrYV, and CMV segments were assembled, enabling phylogenetic analysis that uncovered genetic relationships among viral isolates. RT-PCR confirmed BCMV, CMV, and PeMoV presence. Genetic diversity within BCMV was evident through single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis, displaying diverse patterns and correlations with viral reads. This study discusses the implications for peanut cultivation, stressing the importance of ongoing research to manage viral diseases. It forms a foundational resource for future investigations into peanut virology, guiding strategies for disease management in peanut crops.

PMID:41596536 | PMC:PMC12841197 | DOI:10.3390/ijms27020890

Int J Biol Macromol. 2026 Feb;344(Pt 2):150514. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.150514. Epub 2026 Jan 26.

ABSTRACT

Peanut protein is abundant in peanut meal. However, conventional processing often causes protein denaturation and the decrease of functional properties. Inulin, a well-recognized prebiotic, improves the gel properties, but the effects and mechanisms of inulin on peanut protein are not clear. This research aimed to compare the impact of short-chain (DP ≤ 10) and long-chain (DP ≥ 23) inulin on the properties of transglutaminase-crosslinked peanut protein gels. Results demonstrated that inulin significantly enhanced both gel strength and water-holding capacity, with 0.5% long-chain achieving optimal results -increasing these parameters by 26.6% and 14.09%, respectively, compared to the control group. Notably, long-chain inulin demonstrated superior enhancement effects compared to short-chain inulin. Mechanistically, inulin promotes hydrophobic group exposure, strengthens disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds, increases β-sheet content, and forms a more compact three-dimensional network. Additionally, the in vitro gastric digestibility of composite gels was reduced. These findings provide valuable theoretical support for the application of inulin as a natural gel enhancer in peanut protein-based food systems.

PMID:41592644 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.150514

Int J Food Microbiol. 2026 Apr 2;450:111620. doi: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2025.111620. Epub 2025 Dec 30.

ABSTRACT

The contamination of staple foods by mycotoxins is a significant issue in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the presence of aflatoxins in raw peanuts and peanut-based products. This contamination has severe health and economic consequences. The main aflatoxin-producing fungi belong to Aspergillus section Flavi and are grouped in three main clades: A. flavus, A. tamarii and A. nomius, newly qualified as Flavi, Kitamyces and Nomiarum series respectively. The present study assessed the biodiversity of Aspergillus section Flavi species along the peanut paste production chain in the Korhogo region in northern Côte d'Ivoire. A polyphasic approach was used to identify 256 potentially aflatoxigenic strains isolated on AFPA medium. Experiments included (i) morphological characterization, (ii) aflatoxin production on PDA medium, (iii) molecular identification using a PCR-DGGE method and DNA sequencing, and (iv) phylogenetic analyses. Three species of A. flavus clade were isolated. The most prevalent was A. flavus, which comprised mainly aflatoxin-producing strains but also atoxigenic strains, followed by A. aflatoxiformans and A. korhogoensis. The latter two produced B and G aflatoxins at higher levels than A. flavus, which only produced B aflatoxins. A. aflatoxiformans, A. korhogoensis and aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains were mainly isolated after the stages of peanut pod drying and storage in villages, as well as after seed storage by wholesalers and retailers. However, AF production requires confirmation on most appropriate inducing media. The study also indicates that the PCR-DGGE method when combined with a multi-locus phylogenetic analysis is an effective strategy for discriminating and identifying Aspergillus section Flavi species, particularly those in the A. flavus clade.

PMID:41592402 | DOI:10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2025.111620

J Fungi (Basel). 2026 Jan 13;12(1):65. doi: 10.3390/jof12010065.

ABSTRACT

(1) Background: Improving nitrogen use efficiency in peanuts is essential for achieving a high yield with reduced nitrogen fertilizer input. This study investigates the role of the fungal endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris in regulating nitrogen utilization throughout the entire growth cycle of peanuts. (2) Methods: Field pot experiments and a two-year plot trial were conducted. The effects of Ph. liquidambaris colonization on the rhizosphere microbial community, soil nitrogen forms, and peanut physiology were analyzed. (3) Results: Colonization by Ph. liquidambaris significantly suppressed the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) in the rhizosphere at the seedling stage. This led to a transient decrease in nitrate and an increase in ammonium availability, which enhanced nodulation-related physiological responses. Concurrently, the peanut-specific rhizobium Bradyrhizobium sp. was enriched in the rhizosphere, and the root exudates induced by the fungus further stimulated nodulation activity. These early-stage effects promoted the establishment of peanut-Bradyrhizobium symbiosis. During the mid-to-late growth stages, the fungus positively reshaped the composition of key functional microbial groups (including diazotrophs, AOA, and AOB), thereby increasing rhizosphere nitrogen availability. (4) Conclusions: Under low nitrogen fertilization, inoculation with Ph. liquidambaris maintained yield stability in long-term monocropped peanuts by enhancing early nodulation and late-stage rhizosphere nitrogen availability. This study provides a promising microbe-based strategy to support sustainable legume production with reduced nitrogen fertilizer application.

PMID:41590477 | PMC:PMC12843411 | DOI:10.3390/jof12010065

Nat Commun. 2026 Jan 26. doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-68884-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Wild Arachis species exhibit abundant genetic diversity for peanut improvement. However, the evolutionary history of their genomes is unclear. Here, through comparative oligopainting, we establish a one-to-one correspondence between microscopically observed chromosomes and sequenced pseudomolecules of Arachis duranensis, A. ipaensis, and cultivated peanut, and determine the 10 homoeologous groups (Hgs) of the A, B, F, K, and H genomes. Analysis of the telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly of A. hoehnei reveals that its genome is a diverging form of the A genome and is designated as genome A'. In addition, the unique small chromosome A08 is originated from two inversions and a substantial contraction of A'08. We propose a genome evolution model of the Arachis genus, where A' bridges the A and B genomes. We further report an artificial hexaploid peanut derived from a hybrid of cultivated peanut and A. hoehnei, and identify differentially expressed genes against web blotch in A. hoehnei.

PMID:41588000 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-026-68884-5