Novel disease-resistant peanut variety boosts sustainability and profitability, finds genome research

31 Aug 2023 --- A new peanut variety, TifCB7, has been developed by The Peanut Research Foundation (TPRF) as a result of its ten-year Peanut Genome Initiative. TifCB7 is a high-oleic runner with a high resistance to late leaf spot disease, a major threat to peanut crops.

The TPRF highlights that by “greatly reducing” the need for fungicide sprays and field trips, TifCB7 can help farmers save costs and protect the environment. TifCB7 also has excellent yield and grade qualities, making it a profitable choice for growers, according to the foundation.

“The new TifCB7 peanut variety is the beneficiary of a long and cooperative effort between the research community and TPRF and we are excited it’s being supported by so many people in the industry,” says Donald Chase, vice chairman at the American Peanut Council (APC). 

“We look forward to continued advancements in sustainability and disease resistance due to the results of the Peanut Genome Initiative.”

TifCB7 is the first variety released as a direct result of genomic research. TifCB7 will be in seed increase “for at least a couple of years” before becoming generally available, according to the APC.

TifCB7 is the first variety released as a direct result of genomic research.Scientific investigation under the Peanut Genome Initiative is the largest research project ever funded by the peanut industry (costing US$8.4 million). Growers, shellers and manufacturers equally financed the research.

Showcasing the new crop
The new peanut variety is currently being grown by Chase on his family farms in Olgethorpe, Georgia, US. 

TifCB7 is a joint release from the USDA Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) and the University of Georgia. Dr. Corley Holbrook (USDA-ARS), Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins, Ye and Chu (University of Georgia) were the scientists that oversaw the development of TifCB7 among other researchers.

“In ten short years, TPRF’s peanut genome research has delivered significant science that is already producing real-world results that hold great promise for lower cost of production and improved sustainability,” says Steve Brown, director at TPRF. 

“It is incredible to witness firsthand the role breeding and genetics serve in sustainable peanut production.”

Chase invited members of the peanut community this week – growers, shellers and manufacturers – to his farm for a special viewing of his 15-acre seed increase field. 

Edited by Marc Cervera