International Researchers Sequence First Gap-Free Peanut Genomes to Unlock Major Increases in Seed Size and Oil Yields

International scientists achieve a sequencing breakthrough in peanuts, identifying genes for superior oil content and massive seed growth to aid global farmers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 6:37 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from EurekAlert!

The Breakthrough in Telomere-to-Telomere Peanut Sequencing

In a landmark achievement for agricultural science, an international research team has produced the first complete, gap-free genomic sequences for six distinct peanut varieties. Led by Murdoch University in collaboration with several Chinese academic institutions, the study successfully mapped two wild ancestors and four cultivated varieties, including two subspecies that had never been fully decoded. This "telomere-to-telemore" assembly resolves the historical difficulties of sequencing peanuts, which possess a notoriously complex genetic structure filled with repetitive DNA that previously left significant unmapped voids.

Identifying the Genetic Markers for Higher Oil Content

The research utilized a massive dataset, analyzing DNA from 521 peanut accessions worldwide to isolate specific genetic variants tied to productivity. One of the most significant findings was the identification of a gene labeled AhWRI1, which serves as a primary regulator for seed oil content. According to the study, different versions of this gene account for a substantial variance in oil density, with some varieties reaching 54 percent oil content compared to 48 percent in others. This six percentage point difference offers a vital tool for breeders looking to maximize the efficiency of peanut oil production for global markets.

Massive Gains in Seed Size via the AhGSA1 Gene

Beyond oil density, the consortium successfully isolated AhGSA1, a gene directly linked to the physical size and weight of the peanut seed. The data indicates that peanut lines carrying the optimized version of this gene averaged approximately 846 grams per thousand seeds, while those with the alternative version averaged only 491 grams. This represents a staggering difference of more than 70 percent in seed mass. Professor Rajeev Varshney, Director of the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation, stated that these variants can now serve as immediate DNA markers in conventional breeding to accelerate the development of high-yielding varieties.