Identification of QTLs for Economically Significant Traits in Peanut.

Phenotyping of structured populations, along with molecular genotyping is needed for marker development in peanut.  This research is essential for making the peanut genome sequence useful to breeders because it will make the connection between genes, gene markers, genetic maps, and agronomic traits in peanut.  Several structured populations are available, and phenotyping efforts are ongoing.  The “CAP” populations consist of sixteen inbred mapping populations that were created using parents that maximize genetic diversity for practical breeding objectives.  Several research groups have selected specific populations to phenotype for biotic and abiotic stresses.  Two of these population have also been extensively phenotypes for seed and pod characteristics, and yield.  Data analysis has resulted in the identification of QTLs for resistance to several important diseases.  QTLs have also been identified for yield and grade characteristics. Studies are ongoing in 2015 to confirm these results and to test the applicability of these QTLs in maker assisted selection.