Location: National Peanut Research Laboratory
Project Number: 6044-21000-006-004-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 25, 2022
End Date: Jul 25, 2025
Objective:
Aflatoxin contamination is a recurring problem in the US peanut industry leading to millions of dollars to remove prior to consumption. Aflatoxin cost are incurred at all segments of the industry and mitigating this problem will improve the economic stability of the entire industry and lead to industry growth. Thus, the overall goal of this project is to conduct research toward improving peanut quality in peanut through various approaches. Specific objectives include:
1. Develop, test, and validate mathematical models to predict aflatoxin risk based on environmental data.
2. Investigate traits related to drought tolerance and aflatoxin risks under varying climatic conditions.
3. Understand the impact of pod/shell traits on aflatoxin risk and loose shelled kernels.
4. Investigate the use of hyperspectral imaging cameras to detect aflatoxin in peanuts.
5. Explore other mechanisms to reduce aflatoxin in terms of general agronomic practices.
Approach:
The Cooperator will collaborate with ARS in conducting research to reduce aflatoxin.
Specifically, the cooperators will work with ARS in the following approaches: 1) Developing improved prediction systems to identify high-risk fields to allow segregation of peanuts based on quality, 2) Develop methods to improve performance in peanut processing facilities based on imcoming quality parametes (mainly aflatoxin), and 3) Conduct technology transfer activities with the US peanut industry to improve the quality of US peanuts.
