Physiological and molecular studies during the acquisition of longevity in peanut seeds (Arachis hypogaea L.)

• Grant number: 21/07331-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Crop Science
• Principal Investigator: Edvaldo Aparecido Amaral da Silva
• Grantee: Edvaldo Aparecido Amaral da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Carlos Alexandre Costa Crusciol

Abstract

The production of high vigor seeds is essential for agriculture because it has an immediate positive impact on crop yields through proper plant establishment under ideal and stressful conditions. The desirable characteristics of a vigorous seed lot are its storage capacity in the dry state (longevity), high uniform germination and seedling establishment. Peanut plants produce flowers throughout the plant cycle. In this case, the seeds have different development stages at harvest. In practice, the seed lots to be sold may consist of peanut seeds with chronological differences in their formation. In legumes, the final stage of seed development is important for the acquisition of vigor and especially for longevity. Therefore, immature seeds may not have maximum longevity and also specific transcripts that ensure high physiological quality. The aim of the research is to investigate if there are changes in the transcriptome during maturation and late maturation associated with the acquisition of peanut seed longevity. Field experiments will be performed in two consecutive years using the IAC OL3 cultivar. Seeds will be collected during seed development to determine the maturity stage based on the color of the fruit's mesocarp. The seeds of each stage will be evaluated for water content, dry matter, germination, desiccation tolerance, vigor and longevity. To elucidate which transcripts are involved with seed longevity, RNA sequencing will be performed (RNAseq) throughout seed development. In sequence, the transcripts will be analyzed to draw a profile of them during the maturation and late maturation phases of peanut seeds. (AU)