Genetic contributions to yield gains in U.S. peanut production

Authors: Holbrook, Carl - Corley; STALKER, H - North Carolina State University; CHU, Y - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: American Peanut Research and Education Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/1/2013
Publication Date: 10/1/2013
Citation: Holbrook Jr, C.C., Stalker, H.T., Chu, Y. 2013. Genetic contributions to yield gains in U.S. peanut production. Proc.Amer. Peanut Res. and Educ. Soc.. 45:13.

Interpretive Summary: not required

Technical Abstract: Average yields of peanut in the U.S. set an all time record of 4,695 kg ha-1 in 2012. This far exceeded the previous record yield of 3,837 kg ha-1 in 2008. Favorable weather conditions undoubtedly contributed to the record yields in 2012; however, these record yields would not have been achievable without numerous technological advances that have been made in peanut production. The cumulative effect of these technologies caused U.S. yields to increase six fold from 739 kg ha-1 in 1909 to 4,695 kg ha-1 in 2012. If we disregard the record yield of 2012, the average gain from 1909 to 2011 was 29.9 kg ha-1 yr-1. These yield gains are due to improved cultivars, advances in agronomic practices, improvements in practices and chemistries for control of weeds and diseases, and increased use of precision agriculture, particularly for the digging and harvesting of the crop. Modern peanut cultivars have much higher yield potentials, however, because of the synergism between production systems and plant breeding, it is difficult to precisely quantify the amount of the yield gains that are due to improved cultivars. In addition to yield per se, cultivar development has also resulted in improved resistance to important yield-limiting diseases. This has had important economic impacts on U.S. peanut production.