Legume Genomics and Genetics 2024, Vol.15, No.5, 232-243 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/lgg 240 7.3 Integrating farmer and stakeholder preferences in breeding programs Incorporating the preferences of farmers and other stakeholders into breeding programs is vital for the successful adoption of new peanut varieties. Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of peanut cultivars from different regions can help tailor breeding programs to meet local needs (Wang et al., 2016). Additionally, the assessment of genetic diversity among elite cultivars can provide insights into the breeding history and guide the development of varieties that align with farmer preferences (Brown et al., 2021). Engaging with farmers and stakeholders throughout the breeding process ensures that the developed varieties are well-suited to the specific agronomic and market conditions. 7.4 Policy and funding support for peanut genetic research Policy and funding support are critical to advancing peanut genetic research and ensuring the long-term resilience of peanut crops. The reduction in botanical collections and seed exchanges due to restrictive national laws highlights the need for supportive policies that facilitate international collaboration and germplasm access (Bertioli et al., 2021). Increased investment in molecular genetic technology and genomic research can accelerate the development of superior peanut cultivars (Krishna et al., 2015). Moreover, funding for translational genomics and the deployment of new technologies will be essential to achieve higher genetic gains and develop climate-smart, high-yielding peanut varieties (Pandey et al., 2020). By addressing these future perspectives, the peanut research community can enhance crop performance and contribute to global food security in a sustainable manner. 8 Concluding Remarks The research on harnessing genetic diversity in peanut has highlighted several critical findings. Firstly, the development of a mini core subset of peanut germplasm has preserved the genetic variability necessary for crop improvement, facilitating the exploitation of peanut genetic resources. The introduction of wild species, such as Arachis cardenasii, into peanut breeding programs has significantly enhanced disease resistance and food security globally. Advances in peanut genomics, including the development of molecular markers and genetic maps, have accelerated the identification of genes associated with stress tolerance and agronomic traits, thus aiding molecular breeding efforts. The use of wild species-derived induced allotetraploids has broadened the genetic variability available for peanut breeding, introducing novel phenotypes and improving disease resistance. Additionally, segmental allopolyploidy and homoeologous recombination have been shown to increase genetic diversity in peanut, resulting in new genome structure variations. Genetic diversity is paramount for the resilience and adaptability of peanut crops. The narrow genetic base of cultivated peanut poses a significant vulnerability to evolving pests, pathogens, and changing climatic conditions. Utilizing wild species and creating synthetic allotetraploids have proven effective in introducing new traits and enhancing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Molecular genetic research has provided tools such as marker-assisted selection (MAS) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that enable precise breeding strategies and the development of superior genotypes. The integration of diverse genetic resources into breeding programs is essential for sustaining long-term crop improvement and ensuring food security. Enhancing peanut crop performance through genetic diversity requires a multifaceted approach that includes the conservation and utilization of wild germplasm, the application of advanced genomic tools, and international collaboration for germplasm exchange. The studies reviewed underscore the importance of maintaining and expanding genetic diversity to develop peanut cultivars that are resilient, high-yielding, and capable of withstanding various environmental stresses. Future breeding efforts should focus on integrating diverse genetic resources, employing modern biotechnological approaches, and fostering global cooperation to achieve sustainable improvements in peanut crop performance. Acknowledgments We are grateful to Dr. Zhang for critically reading the manuscript and providing valuable feedback that improved the clarity of the text. We express our heartfelt gratitude to the two anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments on the manuscript.
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