Files
Abstract
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a globally important grain legume and oilseed crop. In this study, a recombinant inbred line population was developed from two peanut genotypes which differ for morphological and reproductive characteristics. The parents of this population also differ for susceptibility to aflatoxin, a highly carcinogenic substance produced by Aspergillus species which can infect the pods and seeds of peanut. Various A. flavus isolates were examined in this study for differences in aflatoxin production. Several peanut genotypes from additional experimental populations were also screened for differences in aflatoxin contamination using in vitro colonization of A. flavus, AF70-GFP. The goal of this work is to identify genetic mechanisms in peanut for which molecular markers can eventually be developed for use in marker assisted breeding programs. The impact of this work will have future implications on the improvement of global food security and safety.