As global temperatures rise, peanut farmers face a growing challenge: Heat stress threatens crop yields by reducing plants’ ability to reproduce.
But a new study by Clemson University scientists offers hope. The scientists recently discovered a key section of DNA that helps peanuts stay productive in hot weather. They also found a genetic marker and a few plant types that produce healthy pollen even under heat stress.
These findings could help breeders develop peanut varieties that not only survive the heat, but also produce high-quality, nutritious seeds.
Source : clemson.edu