Peanut Aflatoxin and Genomics Research in China: Progress and Perspectives

Abstract

Abstract Peanut is an important oil and food crop in China with a unique role in agricultural development and food security. Aflatoxin contamination in peanut, normally more serious in southern parts of the country, is a crucial factor affecting sustainable development of the peanut industry. Extensive efforts have been made at several institutions in China for aflatoxin management and related genomics research. Several local peanut germplasm lines have been identified as resistant to seed infection by Aspergillus flavus or aflatoxin production. Two AFLP markers have been identified that are linked with resistance to seed invasion and one was converted into a SCAR marker for more efficient breeding application. Several new peanut cultivars with improved productivity and possessing resistance to aflatoxin contamination are extensively used in production. Integrated management approaches have been recommended to farmers based on agro-ecological characteristics in different regions. More recently, molecular techniques have been extensively used in genetic diversity assessment, investigation of genetic relationships among different germplasm groups, marker development, identification of interspecific genome introgression, gene cloning and function analysis, and genetic transformation of important traits concerning productivity, quality and food safety of peanut. Special emphasis has been placed on resistance to aflatoxin, bacterial wilt, foliar diseases and fatty acid desaturase. Perspectives of peanut genetic improvement and further research priorities are also discussed.