Using knowledge gained in the genomic research effort, including newly invented tools, researchers take proactive measures to protect the U.S. peanut industry from this devastating fungal disease.
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13 2025 Variety Guide
e best variety choice is one that will achieve a rapid, uniform stand and provide good yield and grade over a wide range of growing conditions. Use the data and varietal descriptions to plan the next crop field-by-field.
EDITORIAL/PRODUCTION
Editor Amanda Huber ahuber@onegrower.com
Copy Editor Cassidy Nemec cnemec@onegrower.com
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Digital Content Manager Katie Guthrie
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EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Scott Monfort
Extension Agronomist University of Georgia
Dell Cotton
Peanut Growers Cooperative Marketing Assn., Franklin, VA
Kris Balkcom
Agri-Program Associate
Auburn University
Dan Anco
Extension Peanut Specialist
Clemson University
Emi Kimura
Extension Agronomist
Texas A&M University
David Jordan
Extension Agronomist North Carolina State University
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Avengers Assemble Editor’s Note
In what I consider the golden age of great Saturday morning cartoons, when a villain threatened to disrupt peace and harmony on the planet, a call was made to the Hall of Justice and the Super Friends assembled a team to defeat the dastardly plot. Each team member, from Superman to Wonder Woman, had their strengths and weaknesses, and the assembled group would change from one episode to the next. What didn’t change was that the good guys always won, and the Legion of Doom was defeated. Today’s rendition is Marvel Comics’ Avengers with Iron Man, Captain America and others. They may have different names, purposes, villains and settings, but the principle is the same — the good guys always win in the end.
Amanda Huber Editor, e Peanut Grower
The peanut industry has our own team of Avengers. At least that’s the way I look at it. When a devastating disease threatens peanut production anywhere in the world, and it is determined that it could affect the U.S. peanut industry in time, a call goes out to our Hall of Justice, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, and a team is assembled to tackle the problem.
That’s what’s happening in the case of peanut smut, a soilborne fungal disease that can now be found in every commercial peanut field in Argentina. As in the case of the Super Friends, each team member has their own special job to do, from plant pathologists and geneticists to research chemists and peanut breeders. Led by Dr. Kelly Chamberlin, the team quickly got to work on various areas of the problem with the goal of developing resistant peanut cultivars.
Although it is taking a little longer than a 30-minute television show or a two-hour movie, the team of researchers is making great progress toward protecting the U.S. peanut industry from peanut smut, should it be needed. You can read more about their work on page 10, and be sure to thank our peanut super heroes for helping protect our industry the next time you see one of them.
News Briefs
Congress Provides Economic, Disaster Assistance
On Dec. 21, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 10545 by a vote of 366-34 that included a continuing resolution for FY25 appropriations funding, a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, $10 billion in agricultural economic assistance and $21 billion in agricultural disaster assistance. The U.S. Senate then passed H.R. 10545 by a vote of 85-11, and President Biden signed the bill into law.
The United States Peanut Federation and other ag groups applaud Congress for including agricultural economic assistance and disaster assistance in the final passage of the appropriations legislation.
For many peanut producers, inclusion of these agricultural assistance provisions in the final legislation will determine whether they continue farming in 2025. USPF leaders are grateful to the peanut state members of Congress and other congressional agricultural leaders who worked to ensure these vital initiatives were secured in the final passage of the appropriations bill.
Peanut producers can expect to receive an estimated economic assistance payment of $76.30 per acre no later than 90 days after the bill is enacted.
Jamie Brown, USPF chairman, says, “We once again would like to extend our gratitude to all of our representatives who stayed steadfast in passing a resolution that would ensure our farmers can continue doing what they do so well — providing this country with the best possible food security in the world. We are thankful that they listened to so many who expressed the challenges that are being faced and have offered an opportunity to meet those challenges in the years to come.”
Joe Boddiford, Georgia Peanut Commission chairman, says, “After a few long, hard years for peanut farmers who were unsure if they would be able to continue farming in 2025, we are grateful to Congress for passing much-needed finan-
cial assistance. Thank you to the members of Congress who worked hard to ensure our farmers would receive relief. It’s a great day for families in rural America who work tirelessly to feed our nation.”
One-Year Farm Bill Extension
A plan to avert a partial government shutdown in December included $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers and a one-year extension of the Farm Bill.
The bill also included more than $100 billion in funding for disaster relief after Hurricanes Helene and Milton battered the Southeast. The bill extends Fiscal Year 2024 government funding through March 14.
Without this legislation, most government agencies would have shut down at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. Reporters in Washington D.C. said that agricultural aid was a key sticking point, and the agreement came only after some congressmen threatened to vote against it unless farm economic aid was included.
“It’s good for now,” U.S. House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) says, noting rural Republicans were seeking more funding for the economic assistance portion than was passed in the final package. “It’s a bridge.”
Democrats made a last-minute push to incorporate $14 billion in agriculture conservation funding from the Inflation Reduction Act into the Farm Bill baseline. However, this idea was rejected.
During negotiations, Thompson argued, “The failure to include economic assistance will have devastating and lasting consequences on our farm families, the rural communities in which they live and American agriculture.
For that reason, we intend to oppose any supplemental spending package that does not provide meaningful assistance to our farmers. Our farmers work too hard and risk it all each year so we can have the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world. They deserve our help now.”
In Brief
• Continuing resolution includes appropriations funding, a oneyear Farm Bill extension, plus ag and disaster assistance.
• Grower leaders thank Congress for providing relief that will allow some farmers to continue in 2025.
• American Peanut Council, National Peanut Board announce new slate of o icers.
• New export market funding brings total to $600 million in 2024.
• Peanut industry pays tribute to long-time promoter, President Jimmy Carter.
DeLorenzo Elected APC Chair
The American Peanut Council has named a new chair to lead its board of directors. Anne-Marie DeLorenzo, senior strategic sourcing manager at Mars Wrigley, will serve the 2025 term. She was elected at APC meeting during the organization’s Insights Summit in Atlanta, Georgia.
“We are excited to have Anne-Marie at the helm of APC’s board of directors,” said APC President and CEO Richard Owen. “She’s been a real champion for the industry and her relationships within the peanut community are deep, which will serve her well as she leads the organization this coming year.”
DeLorenzo has spent more than 30 years with Mars, Inc., holding a variety of positions within procurement. In her current role, she is responsible for sourcing peanuts. She has been recognized as Mars’ Sustainability Champion in 2013 and has received regional Make the Difference awards in 2011, 2013 and 2018 and the global Make the Difference in 2019 – one of the highest honors bestowed on a Mars associate. In 2017,
News Briefs
In Memoriam: Jimmy Carter, Georgia Peanut Farmer and 39th President of the United States
On Dec. 29, 2024, President Jimmy Carter passed away in his beloved Plains, Georgia, home at 100 years old. A world leader who never lost touch with his humble beginnings and was quick to credit growing up on a peanut farm with teaching him important lessons for his future work. Tributes came from around the globe, but also from the industry that still counted him as an ardent supporter. The American Peanut Council wrote the following:
Today, the American Peanut Council joins the nation and the world in celebrating the amazing life and contributions of Jimmy Carter, Georgia peanut farmer and 39th President of the United States. President Carter is widely known for his achievements in politics, human rights advocacy and diplomacy. However, before he became president, he had a successful career in the peanut industry. President Carter was quoted as saying, ‘The things I learned from being a peanut farmer put me in good stead throughout my life’s work.’
President Carter had been an ardent supporter of the American Peanut Council. Through the years, he was generous with his time, graciously meeting with many international trade delegations and sharing his knowledge about peanut farming and the industry. These gatherings always proved to be the highlight of the tours and a cherished memory for participants. Overall, President Carter’s contributions helped promote the peanut industry, and his work helped to showcase the peanut as an important crop in the United States and around the world.
Carter grew up on a peanut farm in Plains, Georgia, and after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and serving in the Navy, he returned to manage his family’s farm supply business and several hundred acres of land. Carter later decided that instead of just buying and reselling certified seed as his father had done in his business, it would be more profitable if he grew the peanut seed himself. The increased income enabled him to expand the family warehouse operation. Carter’s warehouse not only included the sale of certified seed peanuts, custom peanut shelling and the buying and storing of peanuts, but it included the service of supplying other farm inputs necessary for peanut production.
After their return from the White House, the Carters reassessed their land use. Expanding on their commitment to
she won the Global Procurement Leaders Award for External Collaboration. She resides in Wilmington, North Carolina, and has two daughters and three grandchildren.
“I am honored to be the chairwoman of the American Peanut Council, an organization that represents one of America’s
good land stewardship, the Carters managed their land to be economically productive and to provide wildlife and recreation. They not only set a good example, but they used their position to amplify the importance of stewardship, reforestation, conservation and protection of the environment.
President Jimmy Carter’s remarkable journey from a humble peanut farmer, to a global statesman and environmental advocate is a testament to his enduring legacy of leadership and service. His profound connection to the peanut industry and his lifelong dedication to stewardship and sustainability continue to inspire generations. As we honor his extraordinary life and contributions, we are reminded of the values he exemplified—hard work, humility and a deep commitment to making the world a better place.
most cherished and versatile crops,” says DeLorenzo. “Together, we will continue to champion sustainability and the global appreciation of peanuts, while supporting the farmers, manufacturers and communities that make this industry thrive.”
DeLorenzo succeeds 2024 APC chair, Georgia grower Donald Chase. Other
officers include vice-chair: Clint Piper, Golden Peanut, and secretary/treasurer, Collins McNeill of M.C. McNeill & Co.
The remainder of APC’s 2025 executive committee includes: Tim Burch, Georgia Peanut Commission; Chris Chammoun, American Peanut Shellers Association; Donald Chase,
President Jimmy Carter and Tyron Spearman, Peanut Grower marketing editor
News Briefs
Georgia Peanut Commission; Ashley Collins, North Carolina Peanut Growers Association; Mike Davis, Olam Peanut Shelling; Lauren Flexon, Luray Peanut Company; Greg Harnish, Birdsong Peanuts; Casey Cox Kerr, National Peanut Board; Brian Reed, The JM Smucker Company; Rachel Santos, Premium Peanut; Joel Sirmon, Alabama Peanut Producers Association and Larry Don Womack, Texas Peanut Producers Board.
NPB Officers Announced
A new slate of officers was elected at the December meeting of the National Peanut Board. Casey Cox Kerr of Georgia is chair, Neal Baxley of South Carolina is vice chairman, Jeff Roper of Texas is treasurer and Thomas Adams of Alabama is secretary. Kerr previously served as vice chairman, Roper as treasurer and Baxley as secretary. Officer terms began Jan. 1, 2025, and run through Dec. 31, 2025. Greg Baltz, 2024 chairman, will continue to serve on the board as Arkansas’ member through Dec. 31, 2025.
“I am honored to serve as chair of the National Peanut Board,” says Casey Cox Kerr. “I look forward to working closely with NPB CEO Ryan Lepicier and the board, particularly as we develop our 2026 Strategic Plan for the ultimate benefit of America’s peanut farmers.”
During the meeting, the board accepted a motion to alter its committee structure to improve efficiency. Beginning with the next meeting, the board’s committees are executive, promotions, research and finance & policy. The nominations committee will become ad hoc, and strategic planning will be served by the executive committee.
The next meeting of the National Peanut Board will be March 10-13, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Funds For Export Promotion
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the second round of Regional Agricultural Promotion Program grants and the allocation of $300 million for expanding American food and agricultural exports in emerging global markets. This latest investment brings total fund-
ing to $600 million in 2024.
The new grants aim to diversify export markets in regions with rising consumer demand and purchasing power, including Africa, Latin America/the Caribbean and South/Southeast Asia. These regions offer significant opportunities for U.S. producers seeking to establish a stronger foothold in dynamic and growing markets.
The
“RAPP is a critical tool for helping U.S. producers and agribusinesses stay competitive in today’s global trading environment,” says previous Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack under the BidenHarris administration.
The American Peanut Council is expected to receive $3.5 million to promote peanuts.
Perfect Peanut Partner
Right Choice in A Cotton-Peanut Rotation
Cotton-and-peanut producers continually look for new ways to maximize efficiencies while growing two high-value crops that compete for time and resources.
As growers finalize planting decisions for 2025, many have turned to PhytoGen® brand varieties because of their designed fit in a Southeast cotton-peanut operation.
Judson Herrington farms 4,000 acres of cotton and peanuts across Bleckley, Laurens and Twiggs counties in Georgia. He started planting newer PhytoGen® W3FE varieties three years ago to gain efficiencies when time matters most —during planting, harvest and herbicide application.
Herrington said the early season vigor with PhytoGen varieties is unmatched and allows him to plant cotton early — in late April —so that he can harvest those varieties in September before peanut harvest. Plus, the reliable vigor allows him to save on input costs with lower seeding rates while still getting an excellent stand.
He has substantially reduced his seeding rates in recent years, from 38,000 seed/A to 27,000 seed/A.
“That’s saving 11,000 seed per acre over 2,000 acres —that’s a lot of money,” Herrington said. “You can plant lower populations with PhytoGen and still see the same yield as competitive varieties.”
Because PhytoGen W3FE varieties are tolerant to Enlist ® herbicides with 2,4-D choline, Herrington uses the same sprayer across PhytoGen W3FE varieties and peanuts. He covers more acres with a sprayer, allowing him to make applications at the optimal time and better control weeds.
“We’re able to catch weeds when they are between 3 and 6 inches and get our PGR and insecticides applied more efficiently. Timeliness with those things helps us on yield,” he said.
Herrington said newer PhytoGen varieties have yield potential equal to competitive varieties. He typically aims for 1,500 to 1,600 pounds/A on his irrigated cotton ground.
“I especially like PHY 475 W3FE for Georgia. It fits on a lot of different soil types, and it will be our No. 1 PhytoGen variety next year,” Herrington said.
Judson Herrington
Market Watch
One-Year Extension Doesn’t Allay Farmers’ Feelings Of Being Forgotten
United States Representative Austin Scott, Tifton, Georgia, said it best, “The economy in rural America starts and stops with the American farmer. Amid the deafening noise inside political echo chambers and ceaseless squabbling of Congress is one truth that we cannot ignore — we are a nation united in reliance on our farmers.
“Without the American farmer, there is no adequate tax base for our school systems, local municipalities or any services that rural Americans need to live and prosper in this country. Everybody eats, and we all need the food and fiber that our farmers produce to live. No one wants to be dependent on foreign sources for food, just like no one wants to be dependent on foreign sources of energy. Right now, our farmers need our help.”
One-Year Farm Bill Extension
Those comments were delivered by Rep. Scott in the House Agriculture Committee, which earlier this year passed the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024 or their version of the Farm Bill. This legislation includes critical updates to reference prices and several priorities to ensure a strong farm safety net, such as expanding crop insurance options to specialty crops. Scott says all of these items would assist producers in times of natural disaster.
“However, the bill has stalled in Congress, and Senate Democrats recently released a half-baked, last-minute ‘Farm Bill’ just to look like they did something, further fueling the fear of the forgotten farmer as they struggle to feed us,” he says.
Perhaps his comments paid off as it spurred the U.S. House of Representatives to pass H.R. 10545 by a vote of 36634, which included a continuing resolu-
tion for fiscal year 2025 appropriations funding, a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill and $10 billion in agricultural economic assistance.
On the economic assistance segment of the bill, peanut producers can expect to receive an estimated economic assistance payment of $76.30 per acre no later than 90 days after the bill is enacted. That could be enough to help get farmers financed again. With the Farm Bill being extended, peanut farmers will have the $355 per ton loan available and the reference price of $535 per ton. The average price is expected to be $536 per ton resulting in no payment to peanut producers from the peanut program.
Crop Size And Quality
Production is estimated at 6.45 billion pounds, or 3,224,010 tons, up 8% from 2023. Planted area was 1.80 million acres, up 9%, and harvested area was 1.76 million acres, up 12% from 2023. The average yield is estimated at 3,668 pounds per acre, down 141 pounds from 2023. Record-high acres and production were achieved in Arkansas and record
J. Tyron Spearman Contributing Editor, e Peanut Grower
yields were estimated in North Carolina and Virginia.
Only 12,167 tons of Seg. 2s (0.4%) and only 4,514 tons of Seg. 3s would indicate crop quality is very good. Markets apparently needed peanuts as 20% went to commercial areas and 80% to the loan. Usually, an average of 10% goes directly to commercial markets.
Contracts were mostly $500 to $525 per ton on runners at planting time. With all the weather damage and drought, farmers thought the crop would be short and they could possibly pick up a premium on loan tonnage before next season. Most farmers sold loan peanuts for $550 to $575 per ton; however, that idea of a major premium never developed.
Still No Real Alternatives
All in all, it’s a very quiet market as far as trading goes. The crop continues to creep up in size, 3.186 million tons as of the latest report and will likely hit 3.2 million farmer-stock tons. Buyers seem content to wait before buying additional coverage. Increased plantings and decent rains in Argentina have their crop off
to a good start, which adds to the buyer’s bearish mentality.
Market Watch A New Trade Policy Is Coming –Get Ready To Set Sail!
With weak competing commodities, like cotton at 68 cents per pound and corn at $4.50 per bushel, it appears peanut acreage could increase slightly for 2025. One broker said he imagines growers are hoping for a contract around $550 per ton and doesn’t think that’s a stretch.
Another broker reports that kernels are being indicated for the remainder of calendar year 2025 around 63 to 64 cents per pound, but buyers don’t seem too keen to buy at those levels today at least.
Domestic Markets
With commercial storage down about 3%, raw peanuts in primary products decreased 1.8% in August through November compared to the same four months of 2023. Peanut butter usage declined 3.1% compared to the previous year but bounced back by 3.6%. Candy usage is down 5.7% for the four months after a .4% decline in November versus last year. Peanuts in snacks are up 1.8% compared to last year.
Ending stocks this year are estimated at 811,000 tons. That means supplies will be tight, enough so to likely keep the price firm on shelled product, but also keeping farmer contracts above $500 per ton.
Export Markets
Export markets were up 17.55% in volume for the year, with 585,789 metric tons compared to the previous year’s 498,330 metric tons. President Trump’s tariff talk worries the peanut industry, especially in regard to shipments to our best customers Mexico and Canada.
Growing peanuts in 2025 will be a price agreement between the grower and sheller with advice from the buying point. A new, viable Farm Bill is not something you can count on and, for now, the extension will have to do. Manufacturers should be making sure peanuts are planted by booking at a price that will keep the farmer profitable. As we also learned this past season, you can wait too late to plant.
Support your farm and peanut leaders as they battle for your livelihood and agriculture as a whole.
For U.S. agricultural exporters, the past four years held many challenges, pandemic disruptions, wars, transportation troubles and higher costs, rising farmer input costs, weather devastation, weak export market economies, strength of the U.S. dollar and continued uncertainty in the economic relationship between the United States and China. For the next four years, will the waters be calm or rough?
The Biden Administration rebuilt relationships with U.S. allies, including in the trade arena, and it continued a focus on shoring up the U.S. industrial base, focusing heavily on its “worker-centric” trade policy. While Biden had no interest in negotiating market-opening free trade agreements, his team did negotiate deals to eliminate retaliatory tariffs by U.S. trade partners, including the European Union’s retaliatory tariff on U.S. peanut butter. The administration allocated billions of dollars for export promotion work to diversify U.S. agriculture export markets, including an additional $6.4 million allocated over five years to the American Peanut Council.
On the campaign trail, Presidentelect Trump was clear about policies that he intends to implement, which are not unlike his first term:
■ China — proposed application of 10% tariffs on imports from China and 50% to 60% tariffs on all imports from China. China is the U.S. peanut industry’s fourth-largest export market at $91 million in 2023.
■ Mexico and Canada — proposed application of 25% tariffs on all imports from Mexico and Canada unless those countries address illegal immigration and fentanyl cross-
ing into the United States. Mexico and Canada are the U.S. peanut industry’s first and second-largest export markets, at $230.5 million and $229 million respectively. The governments of Mexico and Canada engaged early on with the Trump transition team to avoid these tariffs.
■ All other countries — proposed 10% to 20% tariffs on imports from all other countries in pursuit of changes to create fairness, reciprocity, balanced trade and socially necessary policies.
Based on Trump’s first term, we can expect that he will pursue these objectives although they may not all be implemented at once. We also learned during Trump’s first term, that foreign countries will retaliate, and they always seem to include tariffs on U.S. agricultural products as part of that response. For example, the EU retaliated against U.S. peanuts and peanut butter over two separate actions taken by the United States.
Are there opportunities for the peanut industry and U.S. agriculture? Certainly, the threat of tariffs will bring most if not all trading partners to the negotiating table. As with Trump’s first term, agricultural issues can be on that table, whether to seek reduced tariffs or resolve non-tariff barriers. Later in the term, we may even see an interest in negotiating free trade agreements, as we did with the United Kingdom and Kenya at the end of Trump’s first term.
With the experience of Trump’s first term, U.S. exporters should prepare now to chart your course to be able to weather the impending rough waters.
Information provided by the American Peanut Council.
Tackling Peanut Smut
Researchers take proactive measures to protect the U.S. peanut industry from this devastating fungal disease.
Peanut smut, a soilborne fungal disease caused by Thecaphora frezzii, was first described in 1962 infecting wild peanut in Brazil. The disease did not appear in commercial peanut fields until 1995, when it was reported in Argentina. Currently, smut can be found in every commercial peanut field in Argentina, and the possible spread of the disease is threatening global peanut production. In 2017, U.S. peanut stakeholders approached the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service regarding the threat and urged the agency to take proactive action to protect U.S. peanut producers.
The Team And Project Goals
Researchers at ARS quickly responded to this need by
assembling a team of researchers to tackle peanut smut. The team is led by Dr. Kelly Chamberlin, ARS supervisory research biologist of the peanut and small grains research unit (part of the Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center) in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Joining her are Dr. Rebecca Bennett, ARS research plant pathologist, also of the PSGRU; Dr. Josh Clevenger, faculty investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Dr. Corley Holbrook, supervisory research geneticist of the ARS Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit in Tifton, Georgia; Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins, distinguished research professor of the University of Georgia in Tifton; Dr. Phat Dang, research chemist of the ARS National Peanut Laboratory in Dawson, Georgia; Dr. Shyam Tallury, plant geneticist and curator
Misshaped pods are a symptom of peanut smut disease.
of the USDA peanut germplasm collection of the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit in Griffin, Georgia; Dr. Rachel Koch Bach, research plant pathologist with the ARS Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit at Ft. Detrick, Maryland; and Dr. Jorge Baldessari, peanut breeder from the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Argentina.
This team of experts quickly got to work to find resistance to peanut smut, identify the genomic region responsible for resistance, develop resistant peanut cultivars, characterize the pathogen’s diversity and develop diagnostic tools for detecting the pathogen.
Finding Resistance In The U.S. Germplasm Mini Core
Since 2017, the team has been evaluating germplasm in Argentina for resistance to peanut smut. Thus far, more than 300 genotypes comprised of purified U.S. peanut mini core accessions, U.S. cultivars and breeding lines and purified accessions from the International Crops Research Institute
Using eight accessions from the U.S. germplasm collection, smut-resistant cultivars for all market types and for production in all U.S. peanut growing regions are in development.
The soilborne fungal disease, peanut smut, can be found in every commercial peanut field in Argentina, and the possible spread of the disease is a threat to U.S. production.
The ability to select for resistance by genotyping rather than years of phenotyping is amazing to say the least. This team is dedicated to protecting U.S. peanut production and help eliminate the threat of smut, should it appear.
for the Semi-Arid Tropics, known as ICRISAT, peanut collection have been tested. The team was successful in identifying sources of smut resistance, including eight accessions from the U.S. germplasm collection that had no disease over a testing period of three years. These accessions are being used to develop smut-resistant cultivars of all market types suitable for production in all peanut-growing regions of the United States. New sources of resistance continue to be discovered through additional years of testing.
Markers For Selection
Included in their studies, the team characterized a recombinant inbred line population designed to map smut resistance. Genotyping was conducted using the Khufu platform developed in Dr. Clevenger’s lab at HudsonAlpha Institute. A strong quantitative trait locus, or QTL, which is a region of DNA associated with a particular phenotypic trait and in this case is associated with resistance to peanut smut, was identified on chromosome 12. Markers for genotypic selection of this locus were developed and validated in field studies. These markers are over 99% accurate in selecting smut-resistant germplasm without actual field testing.
The ability to select for resistance by genotyping rather than years of phenotyping is amazing to say the least. The team has been able to reduce the number of lines to be phenotyped by 93% while maintaining a probability of over 99% that selected lines will be resistant.
This marker is now being used to quickly select smut-resistant materials in breeding programs developing resistant cultivars of all peanut market types. Runner types are being developed by Drs. Holbrook and Chamberlin, with the latter also developing smut-resistant Spanish and Virginia types. Dr. Naveen Puppala, New Mexico State University peanut breeder, is developing resistant Valencia types.
Monitoring The Pathogen
Characterization of the pathogen population in Argentina is essential to ensure breeding efforts are inclusive of all pathogen strains. In cooperation with the Fundación para el Estudio de Especies Invasivas in Argentina, the team was able to collect spores of the pathogen from different regions in the country. Characterization of these pathogen isolates indicated that the pathogen is uniform in Argentina, and no significant variants have been observed. However, these studies were limited in number, and the team continues to collect spores from fields in Argentina to ensure new variants of the pathogen do not emerge as resistant cultivars are produced. The team has
generated a complete high-quality genomic sequence of the pathogen that will be published soon, which will allow the development of specific diagnostic assays for the pathogen as well as phylogenetic studies.
Molecular Diagnostics
Currently no diagnostic tools have been deployed to detect smut in peanut seed lots or soil. Dr. Dang has been working to solve this problem, but the task has proven difficult since the pathogen has not been reported in the United States. Dang has developed diagnostic assays to detect other fungal pathogens of peanut, and now that the team has generated a sequence of the pathogen genome, a diagnostic assay to detect smut is not far away.
Future Outlooks
Whether smut will eventually be detected in the United States is uncertain, but the possibility exists since the pathogen spores are easily spread by wind, weather events and trade. This team is dedicated to protecting U.S. peanut production and help eliminate the threat of smut, should it appear. They are also developing smut-resistant cultivars that are stacked with additional traits, such as the high-oleic trait and resistance to leaf spot, white mold, tomato spotted wilt virus, nematode and Sclerotinia blight.
This project has been funded by USDA-ARS and INTA projects, the USDA-ARS Plant Disease Recovery System and by Mars, Incorporated. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. PG
This plant was collected because it exhibits resistance to peanut smut.
2025 VARIETY GUIDE
Variety selection is one of the most important decisions farmers make all year. Today’s varieties offer multiple levels of disease resistance as well as possible root knot nematode resistance and other important traits. The best variety choice is always one that will achieve a rapid, uniform stand and provide good yield and grade over a wide range of growing conditions.
Field history, irrigation, planting and harvest capabilities, seed availability, seed quality and marketing opportunities are all factors that affect selection. On a field-by-field basis and considering these factors, select the variety or varieties that would best fit into your production system.
RUNNERTYPE VARIETIES
AG-18: A high-yielding, high grading, high-oleic runner-type peanut cultivar released from Texas A&M AgriLife Research with good resistance to Sclerotinia blight (Sclerotinia minor (Jagger)). It exhibits yield and grade attributes equal to or better than Georgia 06G and Georgia 09B and increased consistency when compared to Tamrun OL11. AG18 seed size is smaller than that of Tamrun OL11 and similar to Florunner. No differences in flavors were noted in flavor analysis between AG18 and Tamrun OL11.
AU-NPL 17: This high-oleic, runner-type peanut was released by Auburn University and the National Peanut Research Lab in 2017. It is a high-yielding, Tomato Spotted Wilt Virusresistant cultivar with tolerance to leaf spot.
FloRun™ ‘331’: This high-yielding, medium maturity, disease-
tolerant, runner-type variety was released by the University of Florida, North Florida Research and Education Center, Marianna, in 2016. It has medium runner seed size with very good grades. FloRun™ ‘331’ has had excellent pod yield in both irrigated and
Source: Daniel Mailhot, Public Service Assistant, UGA Variety Evaluation, Griffin Campus
non-irrigated trials over several seasons of testing across several locations in Florida. Of the runner-type varieties tested for resistance to leaf spot and white mold, FloRun™ ‘331’ has had among the best pod yield and lowest disease scores. It is moderately resistant to TSWV. FloRun™ ‘331’ has high-oleic oil chemistry beneficial for extended shelf life and marketability of peanuts and peanut products.
FloRun™ ‘52N’: This new medium-maturity, runner type with small vines, high-yield, high-grade, normal oleic oil chemistry was released from the UF’s NFREC in 2023. Seed size is in the medium range with about 710 seeds per pound. FloRun™ ‘52N’ has graded in the mid to upper 70s in on-farm and foundation and registered seed production resulting in high-value returns. FloRun™ ‘52N’ has yielded among the highest in Florida irrigated and non-irrigated field trials over a three-year period in several locations.
The smaller vines make it a good fit for twin-row production and situations where vine production of other varieties is excessive. It has performed well in tests for tolerance to leaf spot, white mold and TSWV and has a sound overall disease package that will respond well to standard disease management.
FloRun™ ‘T61’: This is a new high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWV-resistant, medium-seeded, runner-type variety from UF’s
NFREC in Marianna. FloRun™ ‘T61’ has high yield potential as well as high grades and outstanding resistance to TSWV, which is the reason for the “T” in T61. In several years of testing, FloRun™ ‘T61’ has proven resistant to TSWV and produces high yields when TSWV disease pressure reduced yields in other varieties. It has a medium seed size with about 650 seeds per pound and just over 40% medium kernels on an in-shell basis. Vine growth is moderate allowing good performance in twin rows without excessive vine production. Maturity is in the medium range of 140-145 days after planting under irrigation in Florida. Pod yield of FloRun™ ‘T61’ has been better than Georgia-06G in tests across Florida locations and often had top yields in on-farm plots in several Florida locations.
Georgia-06G: A high-yielding, large-seeded, runner-type variety, Georgia-06G was developed at the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton. The variety has shown a high level of resistance to TSWV. Georgia-06G has an intermediate or decumbent runner growth habit, dark green foliage and medium maturity similar to Georgia Green. Georgia-06G combines TSWV resistance with medium maturity and excellent yield, grade and dollar value return per acre.
Georgia-09B: A high-yielding, high-oleic, medium-seeded, runner-type peanut variety, Georgia-09B was developed at the
Runner Dryland Strip Trial, Blackville, SC, 2024
ab24.3 c3655 c
Source: Clemson University Extension peanut agronomist Dan Anco.
UGA Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton. The variety has shown a high level of resistance to TSWV. Georgia-09B has an intermediate runner growth habit and medium maturity similar to Georgia Green. It combines high TSWV resistance and high-oleic oil chemistry with medium
and excellent yield, grade and dollar value return per acre.
Georgia-12Y: This is a high-yielding, TSWV-resistant and
Source: Barry Tillman, University of Florida Peanut Breeding and Genetics, North Florida Research and Education
One year, Two years (2023-2024), Three years (2022-2024), And Four years (2021-2024) Average Non-Irrigated Field Performance Of Runner-Type Varieties In Two Or Three Florida Locations.
white mold-resistant, medium-seeded, runner-type variety released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations and developed at the UGA Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton Campus. During three years averaged over multiple locations in Georgia, Georgia-12Y had significantly higher yield, dollar-value return per acre and number of seed per pound compared to Georgia-10T. However, Georgia-10T grades higher than Georgia-12Y. It is similar to Georgia-10T in its later maturity.
Georgia-16HO: This is a high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWV-resistant, large-seeded, runner-type peanut variety released by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in 2016. Georgia16HO combines high dollar value and TSWV resistance with the high-oleic trait for longer shelf life and improved oil quality of peanut products.
Georgia-18RU: This variety was released by the Georgia Agriculture Experiment Station in 2018. It is a high-yielding, TSWV-resistant and leaf-scorch-resistant, medium-large-seeded runner variety. Georgia-18RU has the highest percent total sound mature
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Two-Year Average (2023-2024) Agronomic And Shelling Characteristics For Varieties Averaged Across All Locations In The Oklahoma Peanut Variety Trial.
screen for Virginia and 21/64” X 3/4” screen for runner and Spanish; MED=% Kernels riding a 18/64” but falling through a 21.5/64” or 21/64” screen; No.1=% Kernels riding a minimum grade screen (16/64” for runner and Spanish, and 15/64 for Virginia) but falling through a 18/64” 5 Small seeded runners marketed as Spanish (S) or Valencia (V) Source: Kelly D. Chamberlin, USDA-ARS, Oklahoma and Central Plains Agricultural Research Center, Peanut and Small Grains Research Unit, Stillwater, Oklahoma.
kernels (grade) and the lowest number of seed per pound compared to Georgia-06G in five years of testing over multiple locations. It has similar roasted flavor, blanchability and maturity as Georgia-06G.
Georgia-20VHO: This high-yielding, high-TSMK grading, very high-oleic ratio, TSWV-resistant, runner-type peanut cultivar was released in 2020 by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations. Georgia-20VHO has a higher percentage of total sound mature kernel grade compared to several other high-oleic runner varieties in Georgia. Georgia-20VHO combines highyield, grade and dollar values with TSWV-resistance and a very high-oleic ratio for longer shelf life of peanut products.
Georgia-21GR: This new high-yielding, high-grading, normal to mid-oleic, TSWV-resistant, runner-type peanut variety was released in 2021 and developed at the UGA Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. Georgia-21GR has a significantly higher percentage of total sound mature kernel grade
compared to the Georgia-06G runner variety in Georgia. It has reduced TSWV and total disease incidence and high pod yield and dollar values similar to Georgia-06G when averaged over six years (20 tests) across multiple locations in Georgia.
Lariat: This is a high-oleic runner variety developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agriculture Research Service in conjunction with the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and the Oklahoma Peanut Commission that was released in 2016. This variety exhibits medium maturity at about 140 days. Lariat is the result of varietal crossing with Red River Runner to increase disease resistance, yield and improve seed germination. Lariat has demonstrated resistance to Sclerotinia blight and pod rot. Seed size is medium to large.
Murray: This is a high-yielding, high-oleic fatty acid, medium-seeded, runner-type peanut cultivar with resistance to rootknot nematodes. The cultivar was released by Texas A&M AgriLife Research to provide growers with a nematode-resistant
ACI Variety Lineup
AgResearch Consultants Inc., also known as ACI Seeds, was established in 2001 by Dr. Kim Moore, peanut breeder. ACI is a private self-funded peanut variety development program focused on breeding high-yielding, high-oleic, disease-resistant varieties of all market types for all growing regions of the United States.
For more information on ACI Seeds’ variety selections, contact Mark Carden, director of agronomic and commercial services, at 229-805-0044, or email mark.carden@aciseeds.com
VARIET y SELECTIONS
ACI 3321 is a premium, high-oleic, runner-peanut variety known for its superior disease resistance, including tolerance to TSWV, best-in-class white mold resistance and strong leaf spot resistance. It is one of the few varieties proven to perform reliably across the peanut belt. With exceptional yield stability, ACI 3321 thrives in both irrigated and dryland systems.
In 2024, it yielded 5,800 pounds per acre in irrigated fields and 3,800 pounds per acre in dryland areas of Alabama. In UGA trials in 2023, it recorded an average yield of 5,837 pounds per acre, while in Oklahoma trials, it ranked highest in yield and value per acre, reaching 7,000 pounds per acre.
Maturing in about 145 days, ACI 3321 combines strong peg strength with high jumbo kernel percentages and a tan seed coat. Its adaptability, yield potential and reliability make it a top choice for growers seeking superior performance across regions.
ACI 222 is a high-oleic, runner-peanut variety that excels in both the Southeast and Southwest regions. Known for its exceptional disease resistance, it offers excellent tolerance to TSWV, white mold, late leaf spot and peanut nematodes (M. arenaria).
In 2023, it ranked among the top in UGA plant pathologist Tim Brenneman’s multistate trials for disease resistance, yielding approximately 5,800 pounds per acre. Its medium growth habit promotes early vigor, quick row closure and weed suppression. ACI 222 matures in 135–145 days, making it a reliable option for growers across diverse conditions.
Selected for high yields and adaptability, ACI 222 consistently delivers strong performance and peg strength, reducing field loss-
option with a smaller seed size. Murray maintains the excellent resistance to root-knot nematodes of NemaTAM II but offers a smaller seed size, which is more in line with previous industry standards and higher-grade potential.
NemaTAM II: A high-yielding, high-oleic fatty acid, runner-type peanut cultivar with resistance to root-knot nematodes. The cultivar was developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Research peanut breeding program to provide growers with a nematode-resistant replacement option for the former Webb cultivar, which had excellent nematode resistance, but also had a very large vine size that made harvest difficult for peanut farmers. NemaTAM II maintains the resistance to root-knot nematodes, has proven to yield equal to or better than Webb and has higher grade potential. NemaTAM II has a shorter canopy than Webb, which leads to easier digging and inverting at harvest than its predecessor.
Tamrun OL11: This is a high-yielding, high-oleic, runner-type peanut cultivar developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. It has improved resistance to Sclerotinia minor and
es and ensuring quality with high jumbo kernel percentages. It is a dependable choice for growers looking for a balance of productivity and disease resistance.
ACI 212 is a high-oleic, runner peanut designed for maximum yield and adaptability. Developed by ACI Seeds in South Georgia, this variety matures in 140 days in Georgia and 155 days in West Texas, offering flexibility across diverse growing conditions.
ACI 212 delivers impressive disease resistance, including strong tolerance to TSWV, white mold and late leaf spot. It combines excellent germination, early vigor and rapid row closure with a dense canopy to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.
In 2022, it recorded an impressive 7,056 pounds per acre in Alabama trials and ranked among the top varieties in Brenneman’s multistate trials, demonstrating a yield of 6,322 pounds per acre. This variety consistently produces high yields with excellent seed and pod quality, making it a trusted option for growers seeking premium performance and reliability in the peanut belt.
ACI N104 is a high-oleic, runner variety developed in South Georgia with excellent adaptability for dryland conditions. With pod and
improved grade over previously released runner-type cultivars that are resistant to S. minor . Tamrun OL11 is specifically developed for the West Texas growing region.
Tamrun OL18L: This is a high-yielding, high-oleic, early maturing runner-type peanut cultivar that was released from Texas A&M AgriLife Research with a larger-than-average seed size. Its maturity is comparable to Tamrun OL12, which is 14 days earlier maturing than Flavorunner 458. Yield was similar to Georgia 09B but was higher than Tamrun OL11. The seed size was similar to Tamrun OL07 and Webb. No differences in flavors were noted in analysis between Tamrun OL18L and check cultivars.
Tamrun OL19: A high-yielding, high-oleic, early maturing runner-type-peanut cultivar that was released from Texas A&M AgriLife Research. It is approximately seven days earlier maturing than Tamrun OL07 and seven days later than Tamrun OL12 in five years of testing. Yield was similar to Georgia-09B, but was higher than Tamrun OL11. The seed size is similar to Tamrun OL11, but larger than Georgia-09B. No differences in
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kernel traits resembling Georgia 06G, it matures in approximately 145 days and o ers consistent performance.
This variety provides superior disease resistance, including very high tolerance to TSWV, white mold and late leaf spot, as well as nematode-resistant genes targeting root-knot nematode (M. arenaria).
In 2022, ACI N104 achieved 5,700 pounds per acre in Alabama trials and ranked among the top in multistate evaluations at 5,748 pounds per acre. Designed for high yields and disease management, ACI N104 is a dependable choice for growers seeking resilient vines, excellent stem strength and adaptability.
ACI 476 is a newly developed high-oleic, runner peanut with outstanding agronomic qualities. Its intermediate growth habit features dark green foliage, an erect main stem for easier digging and a dense canopy. Maturing in about 125 days, it is ideal for growers seeking e iciency.
This variety produces medium-sized kernels with a smooth, light pink seed coat and an impressive shelling percentage of approximately 78%. It consistently yields 5,000 pounds per acre and exceeded 6,822 pounds per acre in 2023 Oklahoma trials under optimal conditions.
ACI 476 o ers moderate resistance to TSWV, good resistance to late leaf spot and excellent resistance to Fusarium solani. Its smaller seed size reduces planting costs while meeting processor demand for medium kernels. ACI 476 excels under careful management and twin-row planting systems, making it a top choice for yield and market appeal.
ACI 080 is a high-oleic, runner peanut developed in West Texas, o ering exceptional performance for early maturity and high yields. This variety has a light pink seed coat and a pod shape resembling Flavorunner 458, providing excellent market appeal.
Maturing in just 125 days, ACI 080 fits into diverse production schedules and o ers an impressive shelling percentage of about 77%. It provides moderate resistance to TSWV, ensuring reliable yields even under disease pressure.
In Oklahoma trials in 2023, ACI 080 demonstrated exceptional performance at 6,690 pounds per acre. With its adaptability and robust yield potential, this variety is an excellent choice for growers aiming to maximize productivity and profitability.
ACI 509 is an early to medium-maturing high-oleic-runner pea-
flavors were noted in flavor analysis between Tamrun OL18L and check cultivars.
TifCB 7: TifCB 7 is a new high-yielding, high-grading, variety that was released by the USDA ARS and the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in 2023. Development of TifCB 7 was greatly facilitated by scientific advances made during the Peanut Genomics Initiative. TifCB 7 is a high-oleic, runner-market type cultivar that also has high resistance to late leaf spot and TSWV. It is a medium-maturity class peanut with about 140 days needed for optimal maturity. TifCB 7 has an extremely high level of resistance to late leaf spot, which should greatly reduce the need for fungicide sprays. When evaluated under full fungicide spray regimes, TifCB 7 yielded at least equivalent to other common peanut cultivars. TifCB 7 had higher yields than common cultivars when tested with no fungicide control for leaf spot. Growing TifCB 7 with reduced fungicide sprays can be used to maximize on-farm profitability. Seed supply for TifCB 7 may be limited in 2025.
Tifguard: Developed by USDA ARS in Tifton, Georgia,
nut variety, maturing in 125–130 days. Developed in Georgia, it o ers high yields, broad adaptability and superior kernel quality.
This variety produces medium-sized kernels with a light pink seed coat and pod shape similar to Flavorunner 458. Smaller seed sizes reduce planting costs and meet processor demand for medium kernel size, high-oleic peanuts.
Consistently yielding 5,500 pounds per acre, ACI 509 also demonstrates moderate resistance to TSWV, good resistance to late leaf spot and excellent resistance to Fusarium solani. ACI 509 is an ideal choice for growers aiming to combine high productivity with market preferences.
ACI Span17 is a high-yielding, high-oleic Spanish market type that combines the structure of runner plants with Spanish seed and pod characteristics. It produces small, round kernels with a smooth, pink seed coat and a pod shape similar to Tamspan 90. With seed counts ranging from 750 to 850 per pound, ACI Span17 excels under varied conditions.
ACI and Texas A&M evaluations show ACI Span17 production exceeding 5,500 pounds per acre in optimal West Texas conditions. In 2023, it ranked first in Arkansas Spanish hybrid tests and led Oklahoma trials with a record 6,568 pounds per acre. ACI Span17 matures in 120–130 days and o ers moderate resistance to TSWV and mild resistance to leaf spot.
Responding well to single- and twin-row patterns, ACI Span17 is rapidly becoming a favorite in the Spanish peanut market.
ACI 3511 is a premium, high-oleic, Virginia-type peanut developed in the High Plains of Texas. This variety features a medium-growth habit with medium-green foliage and a moderately dense canopy, making it ideal for diverse growing conditions.
Producing a high percentage of jumbo pods and kernels, ACI 351 stands out for its pink seed coat and elongated cylindrical kernels, with an average seed count of 425 per pound. It matures in approximately 145 days in Georgia, o ering growers flexibility in harvest schedules, and consistently demonstrates yields of 5,500 pounds per acre, with a potential to exceed 6,000 pounds per acre under optimum conditions. Selected for its large, bright hulls and excellent flavor characteristics, ACI 351 is particularly desirable for the in-shell market, thanks to its superior pod shape and color. It is a reliable choice for growers seeking premium Virginia peanuts.
Tifguard has resistance to nematodes so as to be characterized as “near immunity.” It offers good yields and grades, especially in places where there would be no yield from other varieties. It offers good resistance to TSWV, and maturity is similar to Georgia Green.
2025 VARIETY GUIDE
International Peanut Group
International Peanut Group (IPG) is a private seed and genetics company that develops and releases new peanut varieties in all market types, as well as conducting industry-related research. For more information, call 806-585-6366 (office) or 806-632-3068 (Mark Gregory), or email tessa.clark@ipgseed.com or mark.gregory@ipgseed.com.
RUNNER-T yPE VARIETIES:
DG 913: An early/medium-maturing, normal-oleic, runner-type variety with excellent yield and grade potential and adaptation for production in the U.S. Southeast, Mid-South and Southwest. This variety has moderate resistance to TSWV and late leaf spot and reaches harvest maturity in approximately 135-145 days after planting. DG 913 was released under utility patent by International Peanut Group and will have preliminary commercial availability in 2025.
IPG 517: A medium/late-maturing, high-oleic, runner-type variety with excellent yield and grade potential and adaptation for production in the U.S. Mid-South and Southwest, as well as other semi-arid climates. This variety was released under utility patent by International Peanut Group and combines excellent yield and grade potential with moderate TSWV resistance. IPG 517 has also performed well in certified-organic systems in the U.S. Southwest.
IPG 2309: A medium/late-maturing, mid-oleic runner-type variety with reduced fat content for confectionary use. Adapted for production in the U.S. Southwest and other semi-arid climates. This variety was released under utility patent by International Peanut Group and combines the reduced-fat characteristic and mid-oleic seed chemistry with commercial yield and grade potential.
VIRGINIA-T yPE VARIETIES:
ACI 442: A high-yielding, high-oleic, Virginia-type variety with excellent adaptation for production in the U.S. Southwest because of limited disease resistance. This variety was released by AgResearch Consultants, Inc. and combines high-oleic seed chemistry with excellent yield potential with a high proportion of fancy pods. ACI 442 has a bright hull color and reaches harvest maturity in approximately 140-145 days after planting.
TifNV-HighO/L: Released by USDA ARS, this variety has the near immunity to nematodes as Tifguard with the high-oleic oil trait. It also has resistance to TSWV. It is similar to Tifguard in plant and seed characteristics.
TUFRunner™ ‘297’: Developed by the University of Florida, this variety is an extra-large-seeded, runner-type peanut with high-oleic oil chemistry. Released in 2014, this variety has TSWV resistance but is susceptible to leaf spot. Yield and grade have been excellent. It has a prominent center stem with semi-prostrate growth habit.
VIRGINIA-TYPE VARIETIES
Bailey II: Like Bailey, Bailey II is a large-seeded Virginia market-type peanut with tolerance to Cylindrocladium black rot, Sclerotinia blight, TSWV and stem rot. Bailey II was released in 2017 and is the high-oleic version of Bailey. Seed for this variety is currently available.
Comrade: Comrade is a high-oleic, large-seeded Virginia peanut developed for production in the southwest by the USDA
SPANISH-T yPE VARIETIES:
IPG 3628: A high-yielding, high-oleic, Spanish-type variety with excellent yield potential and adaptation for the Mid-South and Southwest, as well as other semi-arid climates. This variety was released by International Peanut Group and combines the elite yield potential of a prostrate growth habit with the typical Spanish seed size and shape. IPG 3628 also has excellent early season vigor and quick stand establishment, which make it a good option for organic production. It reaches harvest maturity approximately 125 days after planting and has strong tolerance to late-season Fusarium infestations.
IPG QR-14: A high-yielding, high-oleic variety with excellent early season vigor and adaptation for Spanish-type production in the U.S. Southwest and Mid-South. Released by International Peanut Group, IPG QR-14 combines tolerance to the leaf spot complex with strong stand establishment potential and excellent shellout percentage. It also has exhibited consistent potential in certified-organic systems in the Southwest.
VALENCIA-T yPE VARIETIES:
IPG 1288: A next-generation, high-yielding, high-oleic, Valencia-type variety with adaptation for production in the Southwestern United States and other semi-arid climates, as well as more humid environments. This variety reaches harvest maturity in approximately 120-125 days after planting and has a prostrate growth habit; yield and grade potential are excellent. It is best suited for shelled Valencia markets and has excellent roasted flavor and texture. It also has exhibited strong potential in certified-organic production systems in the Southwest.
IPG 1611: IPG 1611, released by International Peanut Group, is another high-yielding, high-oleic, Valencia-type variety with adaptation for production in the Southwest and other semi-arid climates, as well as more humid environments. This variety has a prostrate growth habit, with excellent yield and grade potential; it also has moderate resistance to TSWV and late leaf spot. The variety is best suited for shelled Valencia market and has excellent roasted flavor and texture. It also has exhibited strong potential in certified-organic systems in the Southwest.
Peanut and Small Grains Research Unit and North Carolina State University and was released in 2021. Comrade has a consistently high yield, enhanced percentage of super-jumbo pods, and it matures at 135 days after planting.
Emery: Emery is a high-oleic, large-seeded, Virginia-type cultivar with alternate branching pattern, intermediate runnergrowth habit and medium-green foliage. Emery has approximately 67% jumbo and 24% fancy pods, and it has seed with tan seed coat averaging 940 mg seed-1 (480 seed lb-1). Emery is partially resistant to three of the four major regional diseases: leaf spot, Sclerotinia blight and TSWV, but it should be considered susceptible to Cylindrocladium black rot. Emery has bright pods and flavor comparable with runner-type standards. Yields and the number of days to maturity are similar with Bailey at 145 days.
Georgia-11J: This is a high-yielding, high-oleic, TSWVresistant, large-podded and large-seeded, Virginia-type peanut variety. Georgia-11J has the high-oleic and low-linoleic fatty acid ratio for improved oil quality. Georgia-11J is similar to
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Field Performance Of Eight Cultivars Within Three Different Digging Dates, Near Tifton, Georgia, 2024, Evaluated By Scott Monfort, UGA Extension Peanut Agronomist.
a Days after planting. b Standardized at 10% moisture. c Tomato spotted wilt virus incidence. d Florida 1-10 leaf spot visual rating scale; 1 = no disease and 10 = plants defoliated or dead. e Emergent stand counts conducted at 14 DAP.
Georgia-08V, another high-oleic Virginia-type variety, in having low TSWV disease incidence, high pod yield, high total sound mature kernel grade percentage and high dollar-value return per acre.
Georgia-19HP: This is a high-yielding, high-protein, high-oleic, TSWV and root-knot nematode-resistant, leaf spot-resistant, Virginia-type peanut variety that was released in 2019 by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Stations. It was developed at the UGA Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, Georgia. Georgia-19HP is similar to Georgia-11J; however, during three years averaged over multiple locations, Georgia-19HP had the highest pod yield, TSMK grade, dollar value and number of seed per pound compared to Georgia-11J and Bailey. Georgia 19HP was found to have a lower percentage of TSWV and total disease incidence.
NC-20: Released by the North Carolina State University peanut breeding program, NC 20 is a high-oleic variety with similar yield, seed size and disease resistance as Bailey II, with slightly larger pod size. It provides similar leaf spot and TSWV resistance
Source: Clemson University Extension peanut agronomist Dan Anco.
but holds onto pods well under heavy leaf spot pressure in fungicide-treated fields. NC 20 matures roughly seven days later than Bailey II, allowing for staggered harvest dates. Seed availability may be limited in 2025.
Virginia Dryland Strip Trial, Blackville, SC, 2024
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NC 21: A release by the NCSU peanut breeding program, NC 21 is a high-oleic variety with a yield, pod and seed size and disease package similar to Emery. It is later maturing than Emery; therefore, the same staggered harvest approach would work with these two varieties. It also holds onto pods well under heavy leaf spot pressure. Seed may be limited in 2025.
Sullivan: A release by North Carolina State University, Sullivan is a high-oleic Virginia-type cultivar with alternate branching pattern, intermediate runner growth habit and medium green foliage. It was developed from a cross with a sister line of Bailey, and it has partial resistance to early leaf spot, CBR, Sclerotinia blight and TSWV. Sullivan has approximately 45% jumbo pods and 40% fancy pods, and seed are tan with seed coat averaging 931 mg seed-1. Yields and the number of days to maturity are similar with Bailey (145 days).
Walton: Walton was tested as line 08x09-3-14-1 and jointly released in 2019 by the University of Florida and Virginia Tech. It is a Virginia-type peanut with good agronomic performance compared with Bailey, Emery and Bailey II under normal productions and superior performance under extreme water conditions. Seeds are elongated in shape and seed testa color is light pink to pink. It has dark green foliage and intermediate growth habit. The main stem is not distinguishable from the lateral branches. Walton is a high-oleic line with resistance to leaf spot and TSWV, and it was developed for the V-C region. Seed for this variety is available.
SPANISH
ARSOK Breeding Lines: ARSOK breeding lines are being developed and considered for release for southwest production by the USDA ARS Peanut and Small Grains Research Unit. ARSOK S104-2E is a high-oleic, traditional Spanish peanut with maturity of 120 days after planting, high yield and excellent testa (skin) retention. ARSOK S58-B[R] is a high-oleic, small-seeded runner with an excellent yield and resistance to Sclerotinia bight.
Georgia-SP/RKN: Georgia-SP/RKN is a high-yielding, high-oleic, large-seeded Spanish market-type peanut with resistance to root-knot nematode. It offers intermediate decumbent runner growth habit and medium-plus maturity (147-150 days). Georgia-SP/RKN has excellent TSWV and general disease resistance, similar dollar values and field performance to Georgia-17SP, including shelling and pod characteristics. Georgia-SP/RKN will allow Spanish-market type growers to use root-knot nematode-infested fields that previously were not suitable for peanut cultivation without using expensive chemicals and fumigant treatments.
OLin: This is a high-oleic medium maturity Spanish-type peanut developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. It has Sclerotinia minor (Jagger) resistance, and seed size is comparable to Tamspan 90. Pod and seed sizes are slightly smaller than Tamspan 90 with occasional three-seeded pods. The yield of OLin will be slightly less than Tamspan 90, but grades will be slightly higher.
Schubert: A high-yielding, high-oleic, early maturing Spanish-type cultivar with improved shell-out. It was developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Schubert matures approxi-
Performance Of Peanut Varieties Under Irrigation, Wiregrass Research And Extension Center, Headland, Alabama.
Source: Henry G. Jordan Jr., Variety Testing Manager, Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences, Auburn University.
mately one to two weeks earlier than OLin and has significantly higher yield and grade. Resistance to Sclerotinia minor was comparable to Tamspan 90.
Tamnut OL06: A high-yielding, large-seeded, high-oleic, Spanish-type peanut cultivar released by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. Maturity and Sclerotinia minor (Jagger) resistance data indicate it is equal to that of Tamspan 90 and OLin. Tamnut OL06 exhibits improved yield of 10% over OLin.
VALENCIA
TamVal OL14: TamVal OL14 is a high-yielding, high-oleic, Valencia-type peanut cultivar developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research. The release represents the first high-oleic cultivar in the Valencia-type market class. TamVal OL14 has exhibited moderate resistance to Sclerotinia minor (Jagger) and has averaged 600 pounds per acre increased
over New Mexico Valencia C in four years of testing. PG
