Groundnut (Arachis hypogea L.) plays a prominent role in the global food and oil industries. Its nutritional value and shelf life are significantly influenced by oleic acid which is the primary constituent of groundnut oil. Given the industrial applications and health benefits, increasing its levels in groundnut has become a central breeding objective. The genetics of oleic acid content in groundnuts involves intricate quantitative trait loci (QTL) and multiple genes governing fatty acid biosynthesis. Breakthroughs with high-throughput sequencing and genotyping techniques have made it easier to identify and characterize key genes and regulatory elements that affect oleic acid synthesis. These insights underscore the importance of molecular approaches in enhancing oleic acid content in groundnuts, offering prospects for improved nutritional quality and industrial utility. By targeting crucial enzymes like fatty acid desaturase (FAD) and stearoyl-ACP desaturase (SAD), genetic manipulation is employed to enhance oleic acid levels. Techniques, notably, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and transgenic methods offer precisely increasing oleic acid content with minimal off-target effects. Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics collectively referred to as integromics, provide a comprehensive understanding of groundnut molecular responses to increased oleic acid levels. Advancements in raising oleic acid levels in groundnuts, driven by molecular breakthroughs in genetic research, biochemical investigations, and omics technologies, are sustainably meeting the demand for healthier, higher-quality groundnut oil. This review summarizes the importance of oleic acid and in-depth overview of the molecular advancements driving the enhancement of oleic acid content in groundnut, with a focus on key genetic and breeding strategies, omics insights, and their implications for developing high-oleic peanut cultivars.
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