Developing host plant resistance as a means of deterring the global spread of peanut smut

Authors: Chamberlin, Kelly; BALDESSARI, JORGE - Instituto Nacional De Tecnologia Agropecuaria; Holbrook, Carl - Corley; Tallury, Shyamalrau - Shyam; Bennett, Rebecca; CLEVENGER, JOSH - Hudsonalpha Institute For Biotechnology; OZIAS-AKINS, PEGGY - University Of Georgia

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/13/2020
Publication Date: 11/13/2020
Citation: Chamberlin, K., Baldessari, J., Holbrook, C.C., Tallury, S., Bennett, R., Clevenger, J., Ozias-Akins, P. 2020. Developing host plant resistance as a means of deterring the global spread of peanut smut [abstract]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA International Annual Meeting, Pheonix, Arizona, Nov. 9-13, 2020. Abstract 125085. Available: https://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2020am/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/125085

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Peanut smut is an emerging threat to peanut production around the globe. This disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Thecaphora frezzii and is currently found in 100% of Argentinian peanut growing regions. Disease severity varies with location but yield reductions as high as 51% have been reported. Research on the causal agent and the disease is in its infancy as little is known about T. frezzii biology, systematics, host-plant relations or epidemiology. The spread of this disease has caused concern within the peanut research and production communities not only in Argentina, but throughout other peanut producing countries including the U.S. Although peanut smut is not currently found in the U.S., immediate proactive measures are being taken so that the industry will not be threatened should this disease reach the North America. Research on the disease and preventive breeding efforts to develop resistant cultivars and management strategies are imperative to avoid effects on the U.S. peanut industry should a peanut smut outbreak occur. The first step in preventative breeding for resistance to peanut smut is to identify key sources of resistance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify sources of resistance to T. frezzii that can be used to incorporate smut resistance into cultivars optimized for key areas of U.S. peanut production. From 2017-2020, peanut genotypes, including accessions from the USDA Peanut Germplasm collection and U.S. cultivars, were planted in test plots where peanut smut is prevalent near General Deheza (Córdoba Province), Argentina. Plots were arranged in an augmented grid design with three replicates and maintained throughout the growing season. Upon harvest, pods were dried and manually phenotyped for the presence or absence of T. frezzii infection. For screening purposes, entries were retained for future testing if they scored 5% or less disease incidence. Of the 256 entries tested, potential new sources of peanut smut resistance were identified. Entries identified as potential sources of peanut smut resistance will be tested again in the 2020-2021 season. Proven sources will be used to incorporate this resistance into peanut cultivars suitable for production in the U.S. A global surveillance system would enable peanut pathologists and breeders to track the spread of peanut smut, disseminate information on resistant germplasm resources, and mitigate the disease, preventing future global crop damage.