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Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is a major rotational crop associated with peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cropping systems in Southwest Georgia. Since peanut is typically planted in twin-rows for greater yield and grade, use of the same twin-row planter for cotton would be cost effective. It is not clear what effect row pattern would have on cotton lint yield using drip irrigation. The objectives were to compare cotton yield when planted in different row patterns, with two plant densities, at multiple locations, and irrigated with drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Cotton was planted in single- and twin-row patterns at recommended (1X) and half-recommended (0.5X) seeding rates (93,000 and 54,600 seeds/ha, respectively). Irrigation systems were subsurface drip irrigation (SSDI), shallow subsurface drip irrigation (S3DI), and overhead sprinkler. Row pattern (single- or twin-row), seeding rate, or irrigation system had no effect on lint yield. There were fiber quality differences, probably due to cultivar, but there was no consistency to draw any conclusions. For consistent year-to-year yield and economics, it is recommended to plant cotton near 1X seeding rates using single- or twin-rows with either drip or sprinkler irrigation systems. Seeding rates reduced to half or lower than the recommended rate may increase risk of lower yields and revenue that may not be covered by money saved using less seed.

Objective Two main fungal leaf spot diseases occur in peanut, namely early leaf spot (ELS) and late leaf spot (LLS), these cause a yearly average of $44 million losses. Limited genetic information, 3534 bp of sequencing, exists about the causal agent of LLS, Cercosporidium personatum (syn. Nothopassalora personata, syn. Phaeoisariopsis personata). The extremely slow growth of this fungus, approximately 1 cm colony in 6 months, and challenges in nucleic acid extractions have hindered research on LLS. Our goal in this work is to provide a reference genome for research on this pathogen. Results Whole genome and transcriptome sequencing of the LLS fungus were obtained. A total of 233,542,110 reads of the genome were de novo assembled resulting in 1061 scaffolds, and estimated genome size 27,597,787 bp. RNA sequencing resulted in 11,848,198 reads that were de novo assembled into 13,343 contigs. Genome annotation resulted in 10,703 putative genes. BUSCO analysis of the genome and annotation resulted in 91.1% and 89.5% completeness, respectively. Phylogenetic dendrograms for 5442 bp and 4401 bp of RNA Polymerase II largest and second largest subunits, and for 5474 bp of the ribosomal RNA cistron of C. personatum are presented in relation to closely related fungi.

Objectives The fungal pathogen Thecaphora frezii Carranza & Lindquist causes peanut smut, a severe disease currently endemic in Argentina. To study the ecology of T. frezii and to understand the mechanisms of smut resistance in peanut plants, it is crucial to know the genetics of this pathogen. The objective of this work was to isolate the pathogen and generate the first draft genome of T. frezii that will be the basis for analyzing its potential genetic diversity and its interaction with peanut cultivars. Our research group is working to identify peanut germplasm with smut resistance and to understand the genetics of the pathogen. Knowing the genome of T. frezii will help analyze potential variants of this pathogen and contribute to develop enhanced peanut germplasm with broader and long-lasting resistance. Data description Thecaphora frezii isolate IPAVE 0401 (here referred as T.f.B7) was obtained from a single hyphal-tip culture, its DNA was sequenced using Pacific Biosciences Sequel II (PacBio) and Illumina NovaSeq6000 (Nova). Data from both sequencing platforms were combined and the de novo assembling estimated a 29.3 Mb genome size. Completeness of the genome examined using Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) showed the assembly had 84.6% of the 758 genes in fungi_odb10.

Row crops normally grown in Southeast USA are cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and peanut (Arachis hypogea L.) with a focus on the higher economic value for peanut. Peanut is typ...

Wild diploid Arachis species are potential sources of resistance to early (ELS) and late (LLS) leaf spot diseases caused by Passalora arachidicola (syn. Cercospora arachidicola Hori), and Nothopassalora personata (syn. Cercosporidium personatum (Berk. & Curt.) Deighton), respectively. Within section Arachis, limited information is available on the extent of genetic variation for resistance to these fungal pathogens. A collection of 78 accessions representing 15 wild species of Arachis section Arachis from the U.S peanut germplasm collection was evaluated for resistance to leaf spots. Screening was conducted under field (natural inoculum) conditions in Dawson, Georgia, during 2017 and 2018. Accessions differed significantly (P < 0.01) for all three disease variables evaluated, which included final defoliation rating, ELS lesion counts, and LLS lesion counts. Relatively high levels of resistance were identified for both diseases, with LLS being the predominant pathogen during the two years of evaluation. This research documents new sources of resistance to leaf spot diseases selected from an environment with high inoculum pressure. The presence of ELS and LLS enabled the selection of resistant germplasm for further introgression and pre-breeding.

Currently, there are 13.9 million hectares of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) in the Southern United States. Reforested hectares could be used for intercropping oilseed crops such as carinata (Brassica carinata) and white lupin (Lupinus albus L.). The oil obtained from these crops could be used for bio-jet fuel production to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation sector. This study determines the profitability for three scenarios: loblolly pine with no intercropping (baseline), loblolly pine with carinata (once every three years), and loblolly pine with carinata and white lupin rotated annually. We ascertained the land expectation value (LEV) for three site indices of 15.3 m, 18.3 m, and 21.3 m. Carinata and white lupin were planted during the initial eight, seven, and six years for site indices 15.3 m, 18.3 m, and 21.3 m, respectively. Sensitivity and risk analyses were undertaken for determining the influence of input variables on LEVs and the probability of loss for intercropping production systems relative to a baseline production system, respectively. For site index 21.3 m, the LEV of loblolly pine with no intercropping was $2816/ha at a 21-years rotation period. Intercropping with carinata only and both carinata and white lupin yielded LEVs of $3346/ha and $3607/ha at a 21-years rotation period, respectively. The LEVs of production systems were sensitive to interest rate, price, and yield of carinata seeds. The intercropping approach had > 50% probability of being less profitable than loblolly pine alone in over half of the scenarios considered. Future research should focus on the impacts of intercropping on loblolly pine yield and adoption behavior of forest landowners.

Although the Southeast U.S. receives an average annual precipitation of 1300 mm, crop yields are often limited by erratic seasonal rainfall distributions. Studies were conducted from 2001 through 2017 at the USDA/ARS Multi-crop Irrigation Research Farm in Shellman, GA (84°36′ W, 30°44′ N) on a Greenville fine sandy loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kandiudults). The objective of this long-term study is to evaluate the effects of irrigation and crop rotation sequencing consisting of peanut, corn, and cotton on yield and net economic returns to both variable and total costs. Analysis included the entire study period and was also separated for years with below and above average rainfall. When averaged across all years, irrigation increased peanut, corn, and cotton yield and net returns compared with non-irrigation. Six different rotation sequences were addressed inclusive of continuous peanut, one year out of peanut with corn or cotton, and two years out of peanut with combinations of corn and cotton. In both irrigated and non-irrigated peanuts, the least and greatest yields were from continuous peanut and the two year out rotations, respectively. No peanut yield difference resulted with corn or cotton rotation partners for the rotation sequence. Length of rotation between peanut years did influence peanut yield and net returns. Profitability and optimal rotation sequence within any cropping system depended on irrigation, yield, crop price, and production costs for peanut, corn, and cotton.

The peanut plant accumulates defensive stilbenoid phytoalexins in response to the presence of soil fungi, which in turn produce phytoalexin-detoxifying enzymes for successfully invading the plant host.

Indeterminate growth of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) creates indecision for best digging date for maturity and economic return. The current standard to determine peanut maturity is the Hull Scrape method. This method uses human observations to place hull scraped peanuts on a color maturity profile board. Human observations may lack precision and repeatability from individual to individual. X-ray technology has the capability of viewing peanut kernels through the hull to possibly ascertain density and maturity. The objective was to determine if x-ray could be used as a quick, non-destructive, and repeatable method to determine peanut maturity of runner, spanish, and virginia market types. Fresh dug peanut pods had 25 percent greater peanut area and gray scale values compared with hull scraped pods (runner and virginia only) and showed no difference in x-ray value between immature and fully mature peanut. Dried peanut showed a linear response of x-ray value versus peanut maturity (hull color). Virginia market type had much higher x-ray values followed by runners, then spanish. The relationship between peanut maturity and x-ray value peaked at the Orange class for runners (Georgia-06G, Georgia-13M), and Spanish (AT9899) while virginia (Georgia-11J) tended to peak at the Brown class. This research demonstrated that x-ray technology may be used to measure peanut density and possible maturity but needs further examination past Orange and Brown maturity class. Final x-ray values determined by this proprietary x-ray equipment may not be transferable due to specific x-ray power, detector precision, background color/scatter, and other electronic nuances.

Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum (L) Schum) is being developed as a bioenergy crop for production in the southeastern United States. Important criteria for selecting a feedstock are cost, consist...

HighlightsThe logic used in developing a decision support system for irrigating peanut based on max/min soil temperature is describedLogic to transform decision support system from peanut to irrigate corn and cotton with and without soil sensors.Progression of a decision support system from a desktop program to a web/mobile applicationAbstract. Irrigator Pro is a decision support tool for scheduling irrigation events in peanut. It was deployed in 1995 as a rule-based system using crop history, yield potential, soil type, in-season irrigation/rainfall and maximum/minimum soil temperature. As computing platforms have progressed from desktop personal computers to mobile web-based platforms, Irrigator Pro has been updated and is now deployed as a web-based program and an application for mobile devices. Irrigator Pro not only works for peanuts but has been modified to irrigate both corn and cotton. The irrigation decisions are now based on in-field soil water potential measurements in addition to the traditional checkbook with max/min soil temperatures. Users are individual growers, extension agents, and agronomic consultants. The objective of this manuscript is to document the initial development of Irrigator Pro as an expert system combining data and experiential knowledge and the progression from a checkbook-based decision support system to a hybrid system using observed weather data and soil moisture measurement. The background knowledge, equations, and thresholds for triggering irrigation recommendations are included. Keywords: Decision support system, Irrigation scheduling, Irrigator Pro, Mobile app, Peanut, Soil water potential.

Scheduling irrigation events in the humid Southeast can be challenging due to unreliable rainfall patterns. The objective of this study was to evaluate three water potential strategies for scheduling irrigation events in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) using shallow subsurface drip irrigation (S3DI) with respect to lint yield and quality, irrigation water-use efficiency (IWUE), and value water-use efficiency (VWUE). Research was conducted in 2012 through 2016 in southwest Georgia, U.S. using an S3DI system. Water potential sensors were installed at 25- and 50-cm soil depth. Irrigation treatments and events occurred when the average water potential values were: -40 kPa (treatment I1), -70 kPa (treatment I2), -70/-40/-60 kPa (treatment I3) (emergence to 1st square/1st square to 1st cracked boll/1st cracked boll to defoliation) and a dryland control. All irrigated treatments had higher yield (1975 kg ha-1) than dryland (987 kg ha-1) except during 2013 (wet year). When 2013 data was deleted, there was no lint yield difference across years (p = 0.07) or across irrigation treatments (p = 0.06). Irrigation treatments I2 and I3 applied 170 mm less irrigation water compared to I1. There were differences in lint quality by irrigation treatment and year, but quality values were within acceptable ranges little or no price deductions. Dry year IWUE for treatments I2 and I3 averaged 3.1 kg lint mm-1 compared with I1 at 2.2 kg lint mm-1. For VWUE, both I2 and I3 had 44% greater value per unit of irrigation applied compared with I1. Either I2 or I3 can be used for scheduling irrigation events efficiently and economically.

Large-scale biochar field trials have been conducted worldwide to test for “carbon negative strategy” in the event of carbon credit and if other subsidies become enacted in the future. Once amended to the soil, biochar engages in complex organo-mineral interactions, fragmentation, transport, and other aging mechanisms exhibiting interactions with treatments including the irrigation and fertilizer application. As a result, quantitative tracing of biochar carbon relying on the routinely measured soil parameters, e.g., total/particulate organic carbon, poses a significant analytical uncertainty. This study utilized two biochar field trial sites to calibrate for the biochar carbon structure and quantity based on the infrared- and fluorescence-based chemometrics: (1) slow pyrolysis biochar pellets on kaolinitic Greenville fine sandy loam in Georgia and (2) fast pyrolysis biochar powder on Crider silt loam in Kentucky. Partial least squares-based calibration was constructed to predict the amount of solvent (toluene/methanol)-extractable fluorescence fingerprint (290/350 nm excitation and emission peak) attributed to biochar based on the comparison with the authentic standard. Near-infrared-based detection was sensitive to the C–H and C–C bands, as a function of biochar loading and the particulate organic carbon content (

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important food and oilseed crop worldwide. Yield and quality can be significantly reduced by foliar fungal diseases, such as early and late leaf spot diseases. Acceptable levels of leaf spot resistance in cultivated peanut have been elusive due to environmental interactions and the proper combination of QTLs in any particular peanut genotype. Resistance gene analogs, as potential resistance (R)-genes, have unique roles in the recognition and activation of disease resistance responses. Novel R-genes can be identified by searches for conserved domains such as nucleotide binding site, leucine rich repeat, receptor like kinase, and receptor like protein from expressed genes or through genomic sequences. Expressed R-genes represent necessary plant signals in a disease response. The goals of this research are to identify expressed R-genes from cultivated peanuts that are naturally infected by early and late spot pathogens, compare these to the closest diploid progenitors, and evaluate specific gene expression in cultivated peanuts. Putative peanut R-genes (381) were available from a public database (NCBI). Primers were designed and PCR products were sequenced. A total of 214 sequences were produced which matched to proteins with the corresponding R-gene motifs. These R-genes were mapped to the genome sequences of Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis, which are the closest diploid progenitors for tetraploid cultivated peanut, A. hypogaea. Identification and association of specific gene-expression will elucidate potential disease resistance mechanism in peanut and may facilitate the selection of breeding lines with high levels of leaf spot resistance.

Low oxygen or hermetic storage has been successfully used to store several commodities such as corn (Zea mays L.), cowpea (Vigna Savi), cocoa (Theobroma cocao), and coffee (Coffea L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.). However, previous research using hermetic storage for peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) has had mixed results. Research was conducted to determine the effect on aflatoxin contamination, seed germination, and oil chemistry of shelled peanut hermetically stored in the Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags for up to 12 months. A 2 x 4 factorial study included 1) normal and high oleic peanut, 2) two initial moisture contents by four storage treatments. The four storage treatments were 1) burlap bags as the control, 2) PICS bags, 3) PICS bags with air extracted by vacuum, and 4) PICS bags with sachets of chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 ) dry fumigant added. There were three replications of each treatment combination. Peanut was stored in an area maintained at a temperature above 21C. The initial seed germination of the normal oleic and high oleic peanuts was 77 and 80%, respectively. Initial aflatoxin concentration in all peanut was less than 2 µg/kg . Bags were opened, sampled, and resealed at 60, 159, 249, and 301 d of storage. Approximately half of the 12 burlap bags suffered significant rodent damage, and all had significant infestation by Indian meal moth ( Plodia interpunctella ). Only 4 PICS bags had rodent damage with damage limited to the outer polypropylene bag. There were no live insects in the PICS bags. Seed germination decreased for all samples to an average of 6.3%. Peanut stored in the burlap bags had an average germination of 19.2% compared to 2.1% for peanut stored in PICS bags. The aflatoxin concentration in one of the burlap bags with normal oleic peanuts was 75 µg/kg, and one of the PICS bags with high oleic peanuts had an aflatoxin concentration of 12 µg/kg. The remaining samples had aflatoxin below the detectable limit of 2 µg/kg.

Draft genomes of 16 isolates of Aspergillus flavus Link and Aspergillus parasiticus Speare, identified as the predominant genotypes colonizing peanuts in four farming regions in Ethiopia, are reported. These data will allow mining for sequences that could be targeted by RNA interference to prevent aflatoxin accumulation in peanut seeds.

A peanut vacuum developed by redesigning an existing grain vacuum (vac) specifically to handle farmers' stock peanuts was tested. The peanut vac consists of a PTO-driven positive displacement blower, two cyclone separators, and a hydraulically-powered airlock valve. The blower pulls air and farmers' stock peanuts through a length of suction hose into the first cyclone separator where the peanuts are separated from the airstream. The air then travels to a second cyclone separator where the suspended dirt and other fine particles are separated from the airstream. The cleaned air proceeds through the blower and is blown through a discharge chute beneath the outlet of an airlock valve mounted on the bottom of the first cyclone. Farmers' stock peanuts from the first cyclone fall from the outlet of the airlock valve into the airstream in the discharge chute and are conveyed up into a waiting trailer. The peanut vac is powered by a 1000-rpm PTO shaft of a tractor supplying a minimum of 75 kW. Initial feasibility tests were conducted while unloading 1/10-scale farmers' stock warehouses to determine the optimum operating parameters to minimize mechanical damage. The optimized peanut vac was taken to two locations in South Georgia and used to extract peanuts from farmers' stock warehouses in addition to the conventional equipment used for warehouse bailout. The weight of peanuts on each truck, time to fill each truck, and the farmers' stock grade factors for the peanuts in each truck was recorded and compared by conveyance method. At the first location, the conventional equipment consisted of a skid-steer loader with an oversized bucket driven into the pile of peanuts. The peanuts were emptied into a surge bin feeding a portable conveyor belt that conveyed the peanuts into a waiting truck. At the second location, a large articulated bucket loader was used in lieu of the skid-steer loader. Peanuts loaded using the conventional method averaged 5.2% foreign material (FM) and 6.7% loose shelled kernels (LSK). Peanuts loaded using the peanut vac averaged 2.7 and 4.9% FM and LSK, respectively. Trucks were loaded at a rate of 187 MT/h using conventional equipment compared to 61MT/h using the peanut vac.

Interest and focus on development of renewable biofuels has been increasing over the past decade leading to the introduction of a wide cadre of renewable feedstocks. As a result, numerous perennial warm-season grasses have been introduced and management practices evaluated to determine their suitability as biofuel feedstocks. “Merkeron” napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) plots were established in 2010 and harvested during crop years 2011 through 2015 adjacent to an on-going peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cropping systems study conducted at the USDA/ARS Multi-crop Irrigation Research Farm in Shellman, GA (84 36 W, 30 44 N) on a Greenville fine sandy loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kandiudults). Napier grass was produced in both non-irrigated and two irrigated levels with different levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers. Peanut, corn, and cotton were produced in non-irrigated and full irrigation regimes. Breakeven prices for napier grass ranged from $65 to $84 Mg−1 at variable and total costs. The breakeven napier grass price was estimated such that the net returns were equal between napier grass and peanut, cotton, corn cropping systems. At variable production cost, comparative breakeven napier grass prices for non-irrigated, 50% irrigated, and full irrigated regimes were $77, $117, and $112 Mg−1, respectively. Napier grass did not compete economically against traditional irrigated cropping systems. Depending on traditional crop prices and bioenergy feed stock prices, napier grass could offer economic opportunities in non-irrigated production environments, riparian buffer zone edges, or non-cropped marginal production areas.

Application of biochar to soils is hypothesized to increase crop yield. Crop productivity impacts of biochar application in southeastern cropping systems consisting of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) produced under varying rates of irrigation have not been addressed. This research incorporated biochar at two different rates into a long-term irrigation and cropping systems study to compare yield and quality response of peanut, corn, and cotton. Biochar was incorporated into soil once at the beginning of the 4-year project at rates of 22.4 and 44.8 Mg ha−1. Peanut, corn, and cotton were produced under three sprinkler irrigation levels (100%, 66%, and 33%), shallow surface drip irrigation (100%), and a nonirrigated control. Crop input management followed best management practices. Sprinkler irrigation was scheduled by Irrigator Pro for Peanuts, Corn, and Cotton at the 100% level and the 66% and 33% levels were applied at the same time as the 100% l...

The concentration of mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic along with glyphosate and an extensive array of pesticides in the U.S. peanut crop was assessed for crop years 2013-2015. Samples were randomly selected from various buying points during the grading process. Samples were selected from the three major growing regions in order to attain a representative sample of U.S. peanut production. Samples were sent to an independent laboratory for testing. Appropriate statistical techniques were used to account for censored data due to test results below detection limits. Descriptive statistics and confidence intervals for the population mean concentration are presented where possible. For heavily censored data, the probability of a random sample from the population testing below the detection limit is estimated. Overall, concentrations were found to be low relative to health standards and consistent across crop years.

Studies were conducted in small chambers and commercial storage facilities to evaluate the effect of storing shelled peanuts at 3, 13, and 21 C (38, 55, 70 F) for one year. Shelled medium runner peanuts from the 2014 crop were placed in the three different environments in Feb 2015, sampled at 60-d intervals until Feb 2016 (364 days). Difficulty maintaining the desired relative humidity of 65% in the 3 C unit, led to unacceptable mold growth and severely degraded seed germination. Peanuts stored at 21 C developed an infestation of Indian meal moth after 238 d in storage rendering the samples unsuitable for sensory analysis from that point forward. The infestation most likely occurred due to hatches of eggs that were present in the original samples. Sensory analyses showed very little change in the intensity of the Roasted Peanut flavor characteristic in either storage environments. There were no unacceptable increases in free fatty acids or peroxide values during the 1-yr storage period for peanuts stored at 13 C. The percent free fatty acids in peanuts stored at 13 C remained well below 1% throughout the 1-yr study. Commercial studies were conducted from Feb 2015 through Mar 2016. Six 60-d runs were conducted where three totes of medium runner peanuts from the same manufacturing lot were placed in commercial cold storage facilities maintained at 3 and 13 C. There were no differences in the initial moisture content of peanuts when placed in the two storage environments. However, after 30 and 60-d storage, the peanuts stored at 13 C tended to be an average of 0.3% dryer than those stored at 3 C. The peanuts had the highest increase in moisture between June and August 2015, with the moisture content after 30 and 60 d storage at 3 C averaged 8.1 and 7.7%, respectively. The peanuts stored in the 13 C environment averaged 7.6 and 7.3% moisture content after 30 and 60 d in storage, respectively. This study has shown that shelled peanuts can be stored for up to one year with no detrimental effects at temperatures up to 13 C and relative humidity ranging from 55 to 70%. Based on this research, the recommended temperature for storing shelled peanuts can be increased to 13 C, while maintaining the relative humidity between 55 and 70%.

Normal oleic peanuts are often found within commercial lots of high oleic peanuts when sampling among individual kernels. Kernels not meeting high oleic threshold could be true contamination with normal oleic peanuts introduced via poor handling, or kernels not meeting threshold could be immature and not fully expressing the trait. Beyond unintentional mixing, factors contributing to variation in oleic acid concentration in peanut kernels include market type, environment, maturity and/or kernel size; however, the relative influence of these factors, and their interactions, is not quantitatively well understood on the single kernel level. To better understand these factors while simultaneously excluding variation from unintentional mixing, seed from a high oleic spanish cultivar and seed from a high oleic runner cultivar were carefully purified via NIR technology. The purified seed were planted in environmentally controlled test plots to analyze the progeny for oleic acid chemistry. Post flowering, plot sections were either chilled (3.8 -5.0 C below ambient), maintained at ambient or heated (3.8-5.0 C above ambient) in the pod zone to characterize soil temperature effects on oleic acid chemistry development. Fully randomized (4 reps) plots included the purified high oleic spanish and runner cultivars, three soil temperatures, seed maturity (profile board), commercial kernel size classifications, and a late season flower termination protocol. At harvest, the oleic acid concentration of approximately 24,000 individual kernels were measured via NIR technology. Market type, temperature, maturity and size had a significant effect on high oleic chemistry among kernels. Late season flower termination significantly, and positively, influenced high oleic chemistry of runner peanuts, minimized the number of immature kernels not meeting high oleic threshold and resulted in elevated and more consistent distributions in this key chemistry; distributions that were more similar to those of the more botanically determinate, but lower yielding, spanish market type. Data from this study improves our understanding of expected natural variation in high oleic chemistry and suggests late season flower termination of runner peanuts is a viable strategy to maximize high oleic chemistry on the single kernel level.

Aflatoxin contamination is a major constraint in food production worldwide. In peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), these toxic and carcinogenic aflatoxins are mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus Link and A. parasiticus Speare. The use of RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising method to reduce or prevent the accumulation of aflatoxin in peanut seed. In this study, we performed high-throughput sequencing of small RNA populations in a control line and in two transformed peanut lines that expressed an inverted repeat targeting five genes involved in the aflatoxin-biosynthesis pathway and that showed up to 100% less aflatoxin B1 than the controls. The objective was to determine the putative involvement of the small RNA populations in aflatoxin reduction. In total, 41 known microRNA (miRNA) families and many novel miRNAs were identified. Among those, 89 known and 10 novel miRNAs were differentially expressed in the transformed lines. We furthermore found two small interfering RNAs derived from the inverted repeat, and 39 sRNAs that mapped without mismatches to the genome of A. flavus and were present only in the transformed lines. This information will increase our understanding of the effectiveness of RNAi and enable the possible improvement of the RNAi technology for the control of aflatoxins.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is a botanically indeterminate plant where flowering, fruit initiation, and pod maturity occurs over an extended time period during the growing season. As a result, the maturity and size of individual peanut pods vary considerably at harvest. Immature kernels that meet commercial edible size specifications negatively affect quality during processing due to their increased propensity for off flavors, higher moisture and water activity, and variable roasting properties. As peanuts progress toward maturation, late season flowers set within 40 days till harvest will not have sufficient time to develop into mature, marketable pods prior to harvest. Research was conducted to determine the effect of late season flower termination on peanut yield, grade, and seed germination. Diflufenzopyr-Na (Diflufenzopyr) (BASF Biosciences), a synthetic auxin transport inhibitor, and the herbicide glyphosate were applied at three sub-lethal rates along with a “hand flower removal” and a non-treated control in both irrigated and non-irrigated plots. No differences in non-irrigated pod yield across all treatments were detected. Glyphosate at 56 and 112 g/ha increased non-irrigated sound mature kernels plus sound splits (SMK+SS) and decreased other kernels (OK). Non-irrigated seed germination was negatively affected by glyphosate. Diflufenzopyr at 17 and 25 g/ha increased irrigated peanut yield. Glyphosate at 112 and 168 g/ha increased irrigated SMK+SS and decreased OK and germination.

Crop yield response to biochar application may vary with biochar type/rate, soil, crop, or climate. The objective of this research was to identify yield response of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), ...

Common soil fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, are opportunistic pathogens that invade preharvest peanut seeds. These fungi often produce carcinogenic aflatoxins that pose a threat to human and animal health through food chains and cause significant economic losses worldwide. Detection of aflatoxins and further processing of crops are mandated to ensure that contaminated agricultural products do not enter food channels. Under favorable conditions, the fungus-challenged peanut seeds produce phytoalexins, structurally related stilbenoids, capable of retarding fungal development. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the potential influence of peanut phytoalexins on fungal development and aflatoxin formation in the course of peanut-fungus interaction. The present research revealed that during such interaction, aflatoxin formation was completely suppressed in A. flavus and A. parasiticus strains tested, when low concentrations of spores were introduced to wounded preincubated peanuts. In most of the experiments, when fungal spore concentrations were 2 orders of magnitude higher, the spores germinated and produced aflatoxins. Of all experimental seeds that showed fungal growth, 57.7% were aflatoxin-free after 72 h of incubation. The research provided new knowledge on the aflatoxin/phytoalexin formation in the course of peanut-fungus interaction.

Cultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a major oilseed crop providing edible oil and protein. Oil quality is determined by fatty acid composition including the ratio of oleic acid (C18:1) and linoleic acid (C18:2). A genome-wide association study with 13,382 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was conducted to investigate the genetics basis of oil, protein, eight fatty acid concentrations, and O/L ratio (ratio of oleic and linoleic acid) using a diverse panel of 120 genotypes mainly selected from the U.S. peanut mini core collection grown in two years. A total of 178 significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with those seed composition traits were identified with phenotypic variation explained (PVE) from 18.35% to 27.56%. RNA-Seq analysis identified 282 DEGs (differentially expressed genes) within the 1 Mb of the significant QTLs for seed composition traits. Among those 282 genes, sixteen candidate genes for seed fatty acid metabolism and protein synthesis were screened according to the gene functions.

With global increases in the production of cellulosic biomass for fuel, or “biofuel,” concerns over potential negative effects of using land for biofuel production have promoted attention to concepts of agricultural landscape design that sustainably balance tradeoffs between food, fuel, fiber, and conservation. The Energy Independence Security Act (EISA) of 2007 mandates an increase in advanced biofuels to 21 billion gallons in 2022. The southeastern region of the USA has been identified as a contributor to meeting half of this goal. We used a GIS-based approach to estimate the production and N-removal potential of three perennial biofeedstocks planted as conservation buffers (field borders associated with riparian buffers, and grassed waterways) on the Coastal Plain of Georgia, USA. Land cover, hydrology, elevation, and soils data were used to identify locations within agricultural landscapes that are most susceptible to runoff, erosion, and nutrient loss. We estimated potential annual biomass production from these areas to be: 2.5–3.5 Tg for giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), 2–8.6 Tg for “Merkeron” napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum), and 1.9–7.5 Tg for “Alamo” switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). When production strategies were taken into consideration, we estimated total biomass yield of perennial grasses for the Georgia Coastal Plain at 2.2–9.4 Tg year−1. Using published rates of N removal and ethanol conversion, we calculated the amount of potential N removal by these systems as 8100–51,000 Mg year−1 and ethanol fuel production as 778–3296 Ml year−1 (206 to 871 million gal. US).

Mesocarp hull color is the current standard to estimate digging date and peanut (Arachis hypogaea, L.) maturity with acceptable yield and grade. Subjectivity of pod color and pod placement on a color chart may give a false indication of when to dig peanuts. The objective was to determine if peg strength could be used to predict pod maturity, digging date, and resultant peanut yield. Peanut peg strength was collected for two years (2011 and 2012) on three peanut cultivars (Georgia-06G, Georgia-09B, and Tifguard), at multiple plant dates (2012 only) and multiple harvest dates to determine the relationship between peg strength versus pod maturity, peanut loss, and peanut yield. Peg strength was determined using an electronic force gage that would measure peak force. Average peg strength was different for all three cultivars with Georgia-06G having the greatest average peg strength followed by Georgia-09B, and Tifguard. In general, peanut yields were greater at early plant and harvest dates and decreased with time. Conversely, peanut pod loss was lower with early plant and harvest dates but increased with later harvest dates. There was a strong positive linear relationship between peg strength and peanut yield for each cultivar. However, there was a relatively small difference with peg strength values between the maximum and minimum peanut yield. There was no relationship between peg strength and mesocarp color (pod maturity, R2 = 0.007). Small differences in peg strength and the non-relationship between peg strength and pod maturity implies: 1) a large sample size would be needed to predict peanut yield, 2) the large sample size would increase time and manpower to determine average peg strength values, and 3) peg strength was not a valid criteria to determine pod maturity or predict digging date. Overall, peg strength may be useful to describe cultivar characteristics but may not be sufficiently robust to predict pod maturity digging date, or peanut yield.

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important food and oilseed crop worldwide. Yield and quality can be significantly reduced by foliar fungal diseases, such as early and late leaf spot diseases. Acceptable levels of leaf spot resistance in cultivated peanut have been elusive due to environmental interactions and the proper combination of QTLs in any particular peanut genotype. Resistance gene analogs, as potential resistance (R)-genes, have unique roles in the recognition and activation of disease resistance responses. Novel R-genes can be identified by searches for conserved domains such as nucleotide binding site, leucine rich repeat, receptor like kinase, and receptor like protein from expressed genes or through genomic sequences. Expressed R-genes represent necessary plant signals in a disease response. The goals of this research are to identify expressed R-genes from cultivated peanuts that are naturally infected by early and late spot pathogens, compare these to the closest diploid progenitors, and evaluate specific gene expression in cultivated peanuts. Putative peanut R-genes (381) were available from a public database (NCBI). Primers were designed and PCR products were sequenced. A total of 214 sequences were produced which matched to proteins with the corresponding R-gene motifs. These R-genes were mapped to the genome sequences of Arachis duranensis and Arachis ipaensis, which are the closest diploid progenitors for tetraploid cultivated peanut, A. hypogaea. Identification and association of specific gene-expression will elucidate potential disease resistance mechanism in peanut and may facilitate the selection of breeding lines with high levels of leaf spot resistance.

Aflatoxins are among the most powerful carcinogens in nature. The major aflatoxin-producing fungi are Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Numerous crops, including peanut, are susceptible to aflatoxin contamination by these fungi. There has been an increased use of RNA interference (RNAi) technology to control phytopathogenic fungi in recent years. In order to develop molecular tools targeting specific genes of these fungi for the control of aflatoxins, it is necessary to obtain their genome sequences. Although high-throughput sequencing is readily available, it is still impractical to sequence the genome of every isolate. Thus, in this work, the authors proposed a workflow that allowed prescreening of 238 Aspergillus section Flavi isolates from peanut seeds from Georgia, USA. The aflatoxin biosynthesis cluster (ABC) of the isolates was fingerprinted at 25 InDel (insertion/deletion) loci using capillary electrophoresis. All isolates were tested for aflatoxins using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography. The neighbor-joining, three-dimension (3D) principal coordinate, and Structure analyses revealed that the Aspergillus isolates sampled consisted of three main groups determined by their capability to produce aflatoxins. Group I comprised 10 non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus; Group II included A. parasiticus; and Group III included mostly aflatoxigenic A. flavus and the three non-aflatoxigenic A. caelatus. Whole genomes of 10 representative isolates from different groups were sequenced. Although InDels in Aspergillus have been used by other research groups, this is the first time that the cluster analysis resulting from fingerprinting was followed by whole-genome sequencing of representative isolates. In our study, cluster analysis of ABC sequences validated the results obtained with fingerprinting. This shows that InDels used here can predict similarities at the genome level. Our results also revealed a relationship between groups and their capability to produce aflatoxins. The database generated of Aspergillus spp. can be used to select target genes and assess the effectiveness of RNAi technology to reduce aflatoxin contamination in peanut.

ASABE Standard S410.2 specifies that 200 g samples of peanuts should be dried in an oven until a constant weight is achieved. The standard recommends oven-drying at 100°C for 72 h or at 130°C for 6 h for samples with up to 30% wet basis moisture content. In previous research to calibrate instruments for measuring single-kernel moisture, the moisture content of single peanut kernels was determined using the same time and temperature recommendations as for 200 g samples. This study was conducted to determine if shorter oven-drying times could be used for single-kernel moisture determination. Shelled peanut kernels were rehydrated to five different moisture levels by placing samples over saturated salt solutions in closed containers for 18 d. A sample of 20 kernels was removed from the rehydration chamber, the wet weight of each kernel was recorded, and the kernels were then placed in individual containers in a convection oven at 130°C. The weight of each kernel was recorded at approximately 90 min intervals for 8 h and then again at 24 h. The apparent dry basis (d.b.) moisture content was calculated using the weight recorded at each observation. The error was calculated as the difference between the apparent moisture content calculated at each time step and the final moisture content calculated after 24 h in the oven. The data were fit to an exponential decay function to estimate the error as a function of drying time. The regression function was then used to estimate the drying time required to achieve various levels of accuracy. The drying time required to achieve an accuracy of ±0.5% d.b. averaged 300 min for peanuts between 9% and 15% d.b. moisture content, and this drying time was approximately 150 min for peanuts at 4% d.b. moisture content. This research shows that drying at 130°C for 6 h (360 min) is adequate for determining the moisture content of single peanut kernels and that ASABE Standard S410.2 is suitable for single-kernel moisture measurements.

Smut disease caused by the fungal pathogen Thecaphora frezii Carranza & Lindquist is threatening the peanut production in Argentina. Fungicides commonly used in the peanut crop have shown little or no effect controlling the disease, making it a priority to obtain peanut varieties resistant to smut. In this study, recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed from three crosses between three susceptible peanut elite cultivars (Arachis hypogaea L. subsp. hypogaea) and two resistant landraces (Arachis hypogaea L. subsp. fastigiata Waldron). Parents and RILs were evaluated under high inoculum pressure (12000 teliospores g -1 of soil) over three years. Disease resistance parameters showed a broad range of variation with incidence mean values ranging from 1.0 to 35.0% and disease severity index ranging from 0.01 to 0.30. Average heritability (h 2 ) estimates of 0.61 to 0.73 indicated that resistance in the RILs was heritable, with several lines (4 to 7 from each cross) showing a high degree of resistance and stability over three years. Evidence of genetic transfer between genetically distinguishable germplasm (introgression in a broad sense) was further supported by simple-sequence repeats (SSRs) and Insertion/Deletion (InDel) marker genotyping. This is the first report of smut genetic resistance identified in peanut landraces and its introgression into elite peanut cultivars. This is an open access article, free of all copyright, and may be freely reproduced, distributed, transmitted, modified, built upon, or otherwise used by anyone for any lawful purpose. The work is made available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. Fil: Bressano, Marina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Fitopatología y Fisiología Vegetal; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Massarini, Alicia. Usda Ars National Peanut Research Laboratory; Estados Unidos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería. Postgrado-Maestría en Política y Gestión de la Ciencia y Tecnología; Argentina Fil: Arias, Renee S.. Usda Ars National Peanut Research Laboratory; Estados Unidos Fil: de Blas, Francisco Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Oddino, Claudio Marcelo. Criadero El Carmen; Argentina Fil: Faustinelli, Paola Carmen. Usda Ars National Peanut Research Laboratory; Estados Unidos Fil: Soave, Sara Josefina. Criadero El Carmen; Argentina Fil: Soave, Juan H.. Criadero El Carmen; Argentina Fil: Pérez, Maria A.. Universidad Católica de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina Fil: Sobolev, Victor S.. Usda Ars National Peanut Research Laboratory; Estados Unidos Fil: Lamb, Marshall C.. Usda Ars National Peanut Research Laboratory; Estados Unidos Fil: Balzarini, Monica Graciela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigaciones Agropecuarias. Unidad de Fitopatologia y Modelizacion Agricola. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas. Centro Cientifico Tecnologico Conicet - Cordoba. Unidad de Fitopatologia y Modelizacion Agricola.; Argentina Fil: Buteler, Mario I.. Criadero El Carmen; Argentina Fil: Seijo, José Guillermo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste; Argentina

Water-use efficiency is often genetically correlated with specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf C isotopic composition (d13C) in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of environment, genotype, and genotype × environment interaction on SLA, d13C, harvest index (HI), and yield and to estimate heritability and the genetic relationships. Fifteen genotypes were tested at two locations with different drought intensities for 2 yr. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis based on yield data divided eight environments (locations × treatments × years) into four clusters, which reflected a gradient in drought stress, indicating yield trait is a good indication of drought stress. The genotype Exp8-12 was identified as a best drought tolerant germplasm across environments. Heritability estimates for HI (0.68 to 0.89) and d13C (0.75 to 0.89) were higher than those for SLA (0.31 to 0.88) and yield (0.12 to 0.65). A positive but small genetic correlation coefficient (rg) (0.26) was found between HI and yield, and low to moderate rg (0.14 to 0.55) were observed between HI and SLA. A relative high negative genetic correlation rg (-0.81 to -0.57) was found between d13C and yield. In theory, the high heritability and no G×E interaction for d13C make it possible a surrogate that can be used to assess drought tolerance in peanut breeding.

Aspergillus flavus accumulates carcinogenic aflatoxins in peanuts, mainly in immature kernels during drought. Aspergillus flavus invasion induces accumulation of phytoalexins, mostly stilbenoids in peanut, as a plant defence mechanism. Because fungal laccases are often related to pathogenicity and can degrade stilbenoids, this study reports for the first time the expression of A. flavus laccases in the presence of kernels, hulls and low water potential in relation to the accumulation of phytoalexins in peanut kernels. Packed-cell volume (PCV) of A. flavus biomass was significantly higher (P ≤ 0·01) in the presence of mature kernels, dead kernels, and mature and immature peanut hulls than the control. The presence of kernels and hulls lowered the level of expression of three A. flavus laccases by 4–6-fold (P < 0·01), whereas 3% sucrose up-regulated them by 35–304-fold, and low water potential (−1·1 MPa) up-regulated them by 85–248-fold (P < 0·01). Phytoalexins that accumulated in peanut kernels in the presence of A. flavus and were quantified by HPLC-DAD-MS were primarily the stilbenoids: 3′-isopentadienyl-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene (IPD), chiricanine-A, arachidin-2, arachidin-3 and arahypin-1. Apparent degradation of phytoalexins was observed when using a priori induction of phytoalexins in seeds in combination with a priori induction of laccases in A. flavus. The up-regulation of laccase expression observed at −1·1 MPa and at high sucrose concentration could be contributing to peanut invasion in immature kernels under drought conditions.

Peanut meal (PM) is the high protein by-product remaining after commercial extraction of peanut oil. PM applications are limited because of typical high concentrations of aflatoxin. For the first time, pilot-scale extraction of protein and sequestration of aflatoxin from PM were evaluated. Aqueous PM dispersions were mixed with two commercial bentonite clays and Alcalase in a jacketed mixer, hydrolysed for 1 h, heated to inactivate protease, and solids and liquids were separated using a decanter. Liquid hydrolysates derived from this process had >90% reduction in aflatoxin when clay was present. ACE-inhibitory activities of these hydrolysates suggest a potential benefit for blood pressure regulation. The insoluble fractions from the dispersions were dried and used in a separate turkey poult feeding study. These results indicate that scale-up of this novel process is feasible and offers a means for adding value to this underutilized protein source.

Runner-type peanut kernel moisture content (MC) is measured periodically during curing and post harvest processing with electronic moisture meters for marketing and quality control. MC is predicted for 250 g samples of kernels with a mathematical function from measurements of various physical properties. To examine the accuracy of the function used in the Dickey-john GAC2100 for measuring MC of runner-type peanuts, 421 samples were measured with the meter and compared to oven MC data subsequently determined using ASAE Standard S410.1. Peanut moisture content for the peanuts according to the meter averaged 19.1% with a SD of 15.4%. Oven moisture contents had a mean of 17.3% and a SD of 8.5%. Means were significantly different (P = 0.001). A calibration equation was derived from capacitance, conductance, temperature, and test weight data provided by the meter and compared to oven MC data. Moisture contents calculated from the calibration equation had a 17.3% mean and an 8.5% SD equaling values for oven determined moisture contents. Results of the study indicate that the accuracy of the meter in predicting moisture content can be improved considerably utilizing currently collected data and the derived calibration equation developed.